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10 Oct 03 - 05:40 AM (#1032964) Subject: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar Well, we had to start this some time. Kicking off very shortly with Australia v Argentina. So far, the opening ceremony hasn't been too bad - the basis for comparison being the opening ceremony for the Olympics in the same stadium three years ago. |
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10 Oct 03 - 06:45 AM (#1032989) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: sian, west wales Sunday is Wales v Canada, and I'm making Thanksgiving dinner that day. Something really weird about being so far from home and getting back into the rut of 'having the Game on the box' and panic in the kitchen. Don't know who I'm supposed to cheer for either. sian |
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10 Oct 03 - 08:03 AM (#1033031) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Dave Bryant With reference to "Playing Filthy Lyrics" Thread: If I was the marrying kind Which thank the Lord, I'm not sir, The Kind of girl that I would wed Would be a rugby forward sir. She'd put it in, I'd put it in, We'd both put it in together. We'd be alright in the middle of the night, Putting it in together, |
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10 Oct 03 - 08:15 AM (#1033034) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Rapparee Rugby: a bunch of people huddled together to kick each other. Why can't we all get along and play nicely together? This is the sort of behavior that causes wars! You can give blood without playing rugby! Why, if everyone had their own little plastic cup this wouldn't happen! So, if you want to increase the world's supply of donated blood and put an end to war, send your donations (no checks!) to me and I'll look into getting a plastic "World's Cup" for each competing player. Stop the violence, the war, the insanity NOW! Don't hesitate -- send me your donation NOW!! (And donate often, too. Remember: the more you give, and the more often you give, will mean that war will end sooner and the blood supply will go up more quickly. So give early and give often.) |
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10 Oct 03 - 10:07 AM (#1033099) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Beardy The most important issue is that England do not win the bloody thing!! Their arrogance is too much to bear already. Stupid game anyway, whoever thought that passing the ball backwards was a good idea? |
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10 Oct 03 - 10:09 AM (#1033100) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Beardy ...and another thing. Is the game played by so many policeman because it gives them an opportunity to give innocent people a damn good kicking with no redress? |
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10 Oct 03 - 10:12 AM (#1033105) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST Beardy: No! it's played by policemen because they've already had the practise!! |
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10 Oct 03 - 07:45 PM (#1033448) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth Whilt I suspect - and I will be delighted to be proved wrong - Wales involvement might be nominal remember to defenition of a true Welshman. One who gets a ticket to "England" v "France" at Twickenham, so that he can boo both sides ! Gareth |
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10 Oct 03 - 09:51 PM (#1033513) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: McGrath of Harlow "Sunday is Wales v Canada, and I'm making Thanksgiving dinner that day." Getting it in a day early in case it's Wales in Thanksgiving mood after the match is finished? |
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11 Oct 03 - 05:19 AM (#1033587) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Linda Kelly Beardy the English thought of the game -in a place called -er-Rugby. |
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11 Oct 03 - 05:54 AM (#1033594) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: smallpiper I thought that rugby was a game for animals played by gentlemen and football a game for gentlemen played by animals - isn't that how the quote goes? |
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11 Oct 03 - 08:34 AM (#1033634) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar Two ways of looking at it - Rugby League is a gentlemen's game played by thugs, and Rugby Union is a thugs' game played by gentlemen or In Rugby Union you kick the ball. In Rugby League you kick the man if you cannot kick the ball. In Soccer you kick the ball if you cannot kick the man. Just home from watching France beat Fiji, which was a crying shame. Fiji had a chance for about 50 minutes, but their defence became a bit fragile. South Africa are currently racking up a point a minute against Uruguay in Perth. |
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11 Oct 03 - 08:41 AM (#1033640) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: McGrath of Harlow I'd have thought it was: In Soccer you kick the ball. In Rugby Union you kick the man if you cannot kick the ball. In Rugby League you kick the ball if you cannot kick the man. |
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11 Oct 03 - 08:51 AM (#1033643) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: sian, west wales McGrath, "getting it in a day early" because the nasty powers-that-be over here won't give me (and all my guests) the Monday off! sian |
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11 Oct 03 - 09:28 AM (#1033662) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Rapparee Gee, I thought it was that in either rugby you kick the man in the balls.... |
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11 Oct 03 - 12:05 PM (#1033712) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Wotcha It takes leather balls to play rugby ... Today, in addition the French victory, Ireland beat Romania, and NZ handily crushed the Italians. Cheers, Brian |
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11 Oct 03 - 12:48 PM (#1033738) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: CET Can anybody remember the name of the fantastic baritone who sang the Argentinian national anthem? Sian: I will be getting up around 3 to catch the Wales-Canada game at a friend's house at 4.00 a.m. I'm not sure who to cheer for either, but I think I'll wear my Welsh jersey. It would be great for Canada to win, but Wales has had the season from hell this year, and it's about time for something good to happen. By the way, there was a woman called Sian who used to sell arts & crafts in Ontario. I think I met her at the Welsh Pavilion at the Toronto International Caravan. Would that be you by any chance? Edmund |
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11 Oct 03 - 04:06 PM (#1033811) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Just a note on the handicap betting, in a brilliant game of Rugby League between Leeds and Wigan, Wigan were giving Leeds two points. The final score was a win for Wigan by 23 to 22, of course, I gambled on Wigan and the bloody bookie won again. It is amazing how often the genius that lays the odds for the bookies gets it right. Lost again , New Zealand giving Italy 64 points in the World cup won 70 to 7, how do they do it?. England or New Zealand for the Trophy, its a hard one to call, two class teams. Ard Mhacha. |
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12 Oct 03 - 02:40 AM (#1033999) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: mouldy I am going to miss this afternoon's match on TV due to a craft fair at Leeds. (And I have more of the same next weekend too). Nevertheless I will be wearing an England shirt, and taking my walkman for Radio 5 coverage from 1pm. Somehow I don't think I'll be able to persuade the organiser to put the radio on instead of the easy listening music we normally have! It got very hot in the room yesterday, and I'm desperately trying to find my T shirt which has another version of the aforementioned quotation: "Rugby - a game for ruffians, enjoyed by gentlemen" printed on the front, so that I have an alternative. I did toy with the idea of getting a T shirt from the Nike shop in York which said "Fancy a Ruck?" but at my age... Andrea |
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12 Oct 03 - 05:04 AM (#1034021) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Tam the Bam (Nutter) I think that it is terrible that Scotland aren't allowed to play the bagpipes while leading their team out and also the Australian fans aren't allowed to sing Waltzing Matilda during the game. I got this information from my sister Joanne who lives in Australia, Perth. Tom |
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12 Oct 03 - 10:37 AM (#1034071) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Tattie Bogle Also medically unsafe to refuse them any rehydration while playing in 30 degrees heat and 100% humidity: what are their medical advisers thinking of???? Dr Tattie Bogle (ex rugby club doc!) |
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12 Oct 03 - 10:43 AM (#1034076) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Nigel Parsons I wore my 'Welsh' shirt to watch the match, and the bloody team played in White!. Never mind, we beat Canada who were playing in 'our' red Also England have just beaten Georgia (Shame!) "Georgia, Georgia, no chance I feel. But I still had hopes they'd make the English reel....." Nigel |
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12 Oct 03 - 06:07 PM (#1034252) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Tattie Bogle And what about England's tight-fit lycra strip? So tight it took De Lallaglio's assistance to peel the torn shirt off that man with the lovely muscles (who was he?- I could almost start supporting England!), and to re-apply a new one!!! |
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12 Oct 03 - 06:30 PM (#1034265) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth Ah Well - So far so good !!!! Nigel - You do realise who was the most famous Georgian of them all ?? Yes ! Uncle Joe - him of the pipe and taxi drivers cap !! Gareth |
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13 Oct 03 - 11:20 AM (#1034652) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: mike the knife Ah, and me here in the States with Fox Sports World on TV- I don't even know when/if the matches are televised. When I lived in NYC, we'd all pile into some bar w/ satellite for the World Cup and be "rat-arsed" by 10:30 am. Somebody please send this poor Rugby-Starved Yank a plane ticket & a press pass for Twickenham... |
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13 Oct 03 - 12:32 PM (#1034703) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Dave Bryant Gareth - but Uncle Joe's (mint) Balls are round not oval ! |
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13 Oct 03 - 02:34 PM (#1034778) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Beardy Linda I know it was named after that idiot schoolboy picked up the ball and ran with it at Rugby school just because the bigger boys wouldnt let him have a kick!! But why pass it backwards? Are you saying that everybody from Rugby is backwards? It would explain a few things when I was there a couple of years ago! Stewart |
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13 Oct 03 - 03:48 PM (#1034822) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST When I saw the French strip (lycra "shirts"), I wondered if their cycling team had inadvertently stumbled onto the pitch ... guess this is the French way of making up for another Tour de France loss to Lance Armstrong ... Cheers, Brian |
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14 Oct 03 - 06:17 AM (#1035229) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Dave Bryant Beardy - Rugby School was always thought to have only become "progressive" after Dr Arnold (Tom Brown's Scooldays) became headmaster in 1828. Perhaps the foundations were already there though, because it was some years earlier that a little squirt called William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it. Instead of being called a cheat and getting kicked out of the game, given detention etc, he got hailed as the creator of a new sport. Perhaps british sport could learn from this. Instead of getting beaten at most things, perhaps we should carefully peruse the rules of each game and try and find loopholes - ie things which aren't actually proscribed as foul play and capitalise on them ! |
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14 Oct 03 - 06:36 AM (#1035238) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Dave Bryant Whoops - I must learn to spell "School". I must learn to spell "School". I must learn to spell "School". I must learn . . . . . |
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14 Oct 03 - 10:19 AM (#1035347) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Peter K (Fionn) Ard, you've got a 'pewter so you shouldn't be going near the bookies. Tune into betfair.com where you can set your own price (someone will take it) and the odds overall are about 20 per cent better than any bookie. Bet early, lay off at a better price amd you don't need to worry about who wins the event itself. |
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15 Oct 03 - 02:25 AM (#1035903) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar The IRB announced that the Australians could not have Waltzing Matilda as part of the pre-match goings on. Stopping the singing of it might be a greater challenge. At the same time, I'll be surprised if a set of pipes (or two) don't turn up in crowd somewhere when Scotland are playing. Mike, if you want to see the best Rugby at the moment, it's not Twickers you want, it's Australia (The USA team are based about three miles from where I am). |
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15 Oct 03 - 03:49 AM (#1035915) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Thanks Fionn, that seems fair enough, I only have a wee flutter on the matches that are shown on TV, and the handicap betting is a bit of craic. I wouldn`t go to extremes, just the odd couple of grand. Ard Mhacha. |
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20 Oct 03 - 01:34 AM (#1038186) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar Going to watch Scotland v USA tonight. We'll see about those pipes. |
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20 Oct 03 - 11:11 AM (#1038422) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,Monkey This is the explanation of the different codes of football advanced, I think, by Tony O'Reilly (nowadays Sir Anthony to us plebs): Rugby, a game for bowsies played by gentlemen, Soccer, a game for gentlemen played by bowsies, Gaelic football, a game for bowsies played by bowsies. |
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20 Oct 03 - 11:59 AM (#1038446) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Liz the Squeak And a bowsie is.....? LTS - stunned that the English beat South Africa! |
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20 Oct 03 - 01:29 PM (#1038475) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,Monkey Bowsies, along with blackguards, are the sort of person whose behaviour is frequently complained of by District Justices. |
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20 Oct 03 - 05:29 PM (#1038596) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: mike the knife DOH! That's right Hrothgar- I knew that... *dope-slap* For some reason Twickenham always has had a sort-of mythical "something" to me. Many moons ago, the father of a former girlfriend (British & played Lock for his local club when he was younger) waxed poetic about watching matches at Twickenham when I first met him- he was intrigued that a Yank played rugby & he & I both were dipping rather heavily into the grog ration that afternoon. |
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20 Oct 03 - 07:21 PM (#1038645) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth Mmmmm! Italy to come ! I was at a Union training school at Swansea, on Sunday Morning. By unanimuse vote proceedings were suspended to watch the Tonga game - Not good news for Wales, I am afraid, not one of the lads better perfirmances ! Gareth |
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21 Oct 03 - 02:40 AM (#1038781) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar And Scotland beat the USA 39-15. The worry for both sides is that Scotland weren't very good. This isn't as good a Yank side as at the last World Cup - they were the only team to score a try against Australia in the pool rounds in 1999. |
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21 Oct 03 - 11:00 AM (#1038952) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: mike the knife It has been a constant source of frustration for me that the US can't put a decent side together... we have flashes of brilliance, and then... well... Most of our "athletes" are playing sports that pay big $$$ and most Yanks don't even see a rugby ball until they hit college. Other countries have youth programs, etc & have been playing for most of their lives when they get into serious competitive-level rugby. That's why our basketball teams have been unstoppable- these guys are weaned on the stuff. How about the NZ/Canada match? Canada looked good through most of the 1st half & then the the Kiwis put it to 'em. I turned it off at the half. |
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21 Oct 03 - 05:29 PM (#1039217) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha It is England for the Final, and I will bet NZ will have a hell of a tussle with the Aussies but should come out on top. From what I have seen so far the rest are only making up the numbers, it will be a job to pick the winner between the big three, I will stick my neck out and go for NZ. Ard Mhacha. |
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22 Oct 03 - 06:17 AM (#1039527) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gurney Ard mhcha, I watched that first NZ-Italy game, and I thought that the scoreline only reflected how good the All-Black defence was. The Italians played hard and did not give an inch (remember inches?) but couldn't get through the 'thin black line". Now, if they can keep it up all the way.... |
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22 Oct 03 - 05:31 PM (#1039916) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha England have earned there easy run in to the Final, they overcame a stout South African challenge, with Wilkinson`s ability with the boot they will be tough nut to crack. I am looking forward to the Aussie v NZ game, on home soil the Aussies won`t go down without a fight. Ard Mhacha. |
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22 Oct 03 - 07:23 PM (#1039979) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Tattie Bogle Well I'll keep shouting for Scotland whatever they do (with or without Martin Leslie (NZ - Scottish grandfaither or -mither)) I'm told it was Andy Gomersall who displayed his rippling muscles after having his shirt torn to shreds: the first of many as we were later to see in the S Africa game! |
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22 Oct 03 - 07:29 PM (#1039986) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth A Question ! Were was the first engagement where Wales beat the All Blacks on neutral territory ? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Roukes Drift ! Gareth - Ducking for cover ! |
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26 Oct 03 - 06:22 AM (#1041940) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Ireland were lucky winners over a gallant Argentine side and I forecast that England would swamp Samoa, unfortunately for England this swamp was full of Alligators in blue jerseys. What a magnifcent effort by the Samoans, England looked rattled in that first hour, it was only there superior fitness in the last quarter that earned them the win. At last two very competitive games to liven up this World Cup. Ard Mhacha. |
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26 Oct 03 - 11:14 AM (#1042015) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Tattie Bogle How about merging the 2 threads: "French hammer the Scots" and this one? Perhaps one of the technocrats can do it? I wondered what was wrong with the Scots when the camera went down the line before the French game and they all twitched like they were having a minor fit: only afterwards the commentator said it was the "Martin Leslie twitch" in protest at the severity of his ban. What about Dallaglio and that South African guy: they should have both been banned after their behaviour! |
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26 Oct 03 - 12:01 PM (#1042032) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Arnie England v Samoa was too close to call. Even Wilko's kicking let him down today! Anyway, well done England but Samoans can hold their heads up after a fine display. Any 'Catters in Samoa I wonder?? |
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26 Oct 03 - 02:23 PM (#1042083) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: McGrath of Harlow That was a close one, Ireland and Argentina. Either team would have been lucky winning. And no stupid hyped up national antagonism. That's the way to do it. Here |
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26 Oct 03 - 03:24 PM (#1042101) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Nigel Parsons Mike The Knife: Don't be so negative about the US history at the fair game of rugby. The US were world champions for 63 years! Clarification: USA won the Rugby Gold Medal at the 1924 Paris Olympics, and there was no further world competition until the inauguration of the Rugby World Cup in Aukland in 1987. Nigel |
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26 Oct 03 - 05:42 PM (#1042153) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The Shambles The reaction to the England v Western Samoa result is strange. It always looked as if this was going to be competitive game and it certainly was........ It will be interesting to see them play South Africa. I am sure the Springboks will not be looking forward to this game. As for the other fancied teams being encouraged by England's performance - they should be hoping that they do not have to play Western Samoa. For despite a shaky start - the England team knew what they had to do and the important thing was that they did it. They not only came from behind to win and pick up the required points but scored the bonus point as well. Surely at this stage it will not hurt a team that they are tested - as long as they pass that test? Australia, New Zealand etc have yet to be tested......... |
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27 Oct 03 - 05:01 AM (#1042378) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar A couple of months ago, when both the Kick-One-Whack-Ones and the Poms beat Australia, I was consoling my self with the thought that Australia could only get better, and NZ and England were at their top already. Maybe I was right. Just don't trust those frogs ... |
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27 Oct 03 - 07:49 AM (#1042456) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth Errr ! Dont mention Western Samoa. Anyway it was most unfair on England, they had to play the whole of Samoa. Gareth |
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27 Oct 03 - 03:24 PM (#1042766) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: mike the knife Thanks for the consolation Nigel- It's the only bright spot that we rugby-loving minority here in the US can enjoy. And Gareth, that was funny. |
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28 Oct 03 - 04:39 AM (#1043042) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar The Yanks had a win at last - they beat Japan last night. It's still not enough to get even for karaoke. |
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01 Nov 03 - 06:39 AM (#1045713) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha What a tremendous game, well played Ireland, I am eating my hat, I gave them no chance against Oz. Ireland were the better team over the 80 minutes, it was heart-breaking to lose by the single point, if only Ronan O`Gara had kicked better , his penalty misses proved costly. I am not too diappointed this was a great performance and the Irish are still there, so look out France in the quarter final, Ireland will be confident after this showing. Ard Mhacha. |
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01 Nov 03 - 01:44 PM (#1045868) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth Perhaps that it was that Australia were playing in "Orange" shirts inspired them **BG** What I saw of the recorded bits on TV confirms that they played well, and with spirit. Now a warning ! - Unless there is divine intervention in tommorows game, 'Catters mentioning New Zealand may consider thier dangly bits, and knee caps, under attack with a virtual sledgehammer. Gareth |
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01 Nov 03 - 11:13 PM (#1046090) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar South African 'catters, if there are any, probably won't want to even think about NZ. The Kiwi backs will shred the Jappie defence if it is the same as against Samoa. Australia can play better - not that Scotland showed anything wonderful against Fiji. Have to pick Tuquiri ahead of Sailor. Going out in an hour or so to watch England play Uruguay. It won't be a match, but then at least I can say I've watched this England team. It is probably the best they've ever had, even without Wilkinson and Johnson. With a bit of luck, the refs will start penalising them for killing ruck ball, and that will change their results a bit. |
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02 Nov 03 - 06:41 AM (#1046157) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha For three-quarters of the Welsh v New Zealand game, this Welsh [2nd string?] had the mighty All Blacks reeling. I was thinking, can this be Rorkes Drift replayed, I have never seen a team play with such courage, Wales, even Gareth would have been proud of your magnificent performance. The Welsh tries were far better constructed than the Blacks, just a pity, being a wee bit more alert in the early stages of the first half would have prevented two of the NZ tries, but nothing should detract from these Welsh furies. And I see England scraped home by 99 points. Ard Mhacha. |
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02 Nov 03 - 10:29 AM (#1046219) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth And here is how der BBC saw it Click 'Ere - Some National pride restored. Now let all come on - (provided that England only field 15 players that is !) Gareth |
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02 Nov 03 - 11:40 AM (#1046241) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Nigel Parsons Gareth: that last crack is hardly worthy of you. England have already been fined £10,000 for fielding 16 men against Samoa. Surely you didn't expect them to play against that mighty team on equal terms? Nigel (p.s. England only had 16 men on the pitch for 34 seconds, and one of those was receiving treatment at the time!) |
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02 Nov 03 - 03:25 PM (#1046349) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha C`mon lets have your forecasts for the quarter finals, OZ,NZ,England`s 16, and France. Ard Mhacha. |
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02 Nov 03 - 06:24 PM (#1046405) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth Really Nigel - The matter was under critical discussion in the bar of the "Royal Oak" Ystrad Mynach tonight. Up quotes Chris our village postmaster " Pity they don't put 17 men on the field, then they'l be disqualified " And you acuse me of being biased !!! Actually it reminds me of the 1970's jokes (Max Boyce and others) "To make it a fairer contest England have agreed to use a 20 man team against Wales next Saturday" ARRRRGGHH ! - As Mary Hopkin sang, "Those were the days, my friend, We thought they'd never end ... !" Gareth |
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03 Nov 03 - 04:27 AM (#1046614) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar Well, even as badly as Australia are playing, I'll back them to beat Scotland. I wouldn't care to pick the NZ - South Africa game after last night, despite what I said a couple of days ago. The laws of nature say NZ. France should fix the Irish - I just can't see two performances in a row like that from Ireland. All we need now, of course, is for the Frogs to self-destruct. England v Wales ..... hmmm ..... the book says England, but if the Welsh get up I won't be able to sleep for a week for laughing. Have to be careful here - my boss is a Pom. |
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04 Nov 03 - 12:32 AM (#1047392) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,Iain Higgins Being a Kiwi lad myself... I'd just like to say bloody good on the Welsh. They had us looking unorganized in defence, finding more holes than tiger woods. The passion with which they played is a tribute to the history between the two nations. Well done. Now go one better - cause the biggest upset possible. Im also half Scottish, and if theres one team I despise more than England, it's my ANZAC big brother Australia. GO SCOTLAND THE BRAVE. I'd be in the stands with my bagpipes if I wasn't sitting uni exams. p.s. Go Ireland - France is our bogey team. |
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04 Nov 03 - 03:26 AM (#1047450) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Hrothgar,In regard to the France v Ireland game, I don`t like the word fix, does that mean France are going to field 16 men. Ard Mhacha. |
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04 Nov 03 - 05:09 AM (#1047496) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar If the French play the game I fear, it'll look like 16 men even if they're a couple short. |
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04 Nov 03 - 10:03 AM (#1047634) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Teribus Just got back from Oz - had an absolutely fantastic time. Cold reason would have me backing ard mhacha's prediction of NZ v Australia and France v England, for the semi-finals. Same reasoning would then indicate an England v NZ final. Cold reason apart I would not rule out Ireland against the French - or Scotland against Australia. The French have yet to come up against any hard opposition in this tournament (their match against Scotland was against a Scottish team on the night that would have had trouble coping against a Roedean mixed-infants XV), that they will come up against when they meet Ireland. Scotland always play one suberb game in any competition they take part in - they love being cast in the role of underdog. Their coach, is no fool, and has voiced no concerns, and the Aussies are not the side that won the last World Cup. I believe that Scotland could upset them - but as I said above that is heart and not head. The 16 man thing was firmly the fault of the FMO; it occurred with just over 81 minutes on the clock; with an England player receiving treatment off the pitch; England had that 16th man on the field for all of 34 seconds. Some of the remarks I heard ranged from demands for disqualification of England from the tournament, through loss of their bonus points, to awarding Samoa a bonus point for a try they might have scored from a penalty awarded during that period of play. Hell they could have awarded Samoa a penalty try and it still would not have affected the result one iota. Fact was the FMO was in radio contact with the referee and should have called the ref's attention to it the second Lugar put a foot onto the pitch - he didn't. Hrothgar, sorry I missed you - didn't get your PM until I arrived back home yesterday. Brisbane was fantastic as were the few days spent up at Noosa Heads - all in all a wonderful holiday, lots of very fond memories. |
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04 Nov 03 - 12:51 PM (#1047764) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha I think the Rugby authorities went a bit over the top about England fielding 16 men, a genuine mistake, they were on top at the time and it mattered little. This World Cup, much maligned at the beginning has redeemed itself with some cracking games and there is much more to come. Ard Mhacha. |
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04 Nov 03 - 08:03 PM (#1048111) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Raedwulf I'll predict the predictable in 3 out of 4 Q/F's; England, Australia, NZ; but France vs. Ireland has to be the "must watch" game of the quarters! Am I wrong in thinking that Ireland have had something of an Indian sign over the Frogs in the last few years? No way is this a foregone conclusion (I'll cordially disagree with Hrothgar here)! England & NZ will be competitive but predictable results I think, Aust. predictable & comfortable (unless unquantifiable factors, such as weather, intervene), but France/Ireland ought to be a game & a half! I'll be cheering the Green! :) What gets up my nose about this WC, though, is the condescension from the IRB. Rugby is clearly divided into 3 divisions. First, there's the old 5 Nations/Tri-Nations group that dominate world rugby & comprise the Quarter's this time round. Next, you have the second division sides - Samoa, Tonga, Argentina, Italy, & so on - that can upset the big boys on their day. Last, there is the valiant minnows; the Japans, USAs, Namibias, Georgias... Why on earth are the amateurs, who can't possibly cope with the physical demands, asked to play 3 or 4 games within little more than two weeks? The "big sides" get far more rest between their games, & a senior IRB official happily admits that TV scheduling demands this. The IRB rolls over, & says that the next WC is unlikely to be any different. Fiji & Samoa may not even be able to enter the next WC for lack of funds, & the IRB chases TV money... Is it only me that sees a woeful inequality in this? Not only that, but ultimately it must be damaging to the notion of a "World Cup"? We've had glorious mis-matches & glorious performances from the minnows. What's the point, if the minnows can't hope to progress? And given the patronising, favouring attitude of the governing body, what hope is there? Sad... :( |
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05 Nov 03 - 03:32 AM (#1048237) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar Yes, the timetable for the whole thing stinks, and Syd Millar admitted that yesterday when he said that they have to present the best teams on prime time TV to make money. Far worse, though, is the way the Pacific Islands countries in particular have been gutted since the advent of professionalism. From the islanders who play in NZ to make a living and have to declare their availability for NZ to get a contract, to the players who can't afford not to play for their European clubs and so can't come to the World Cup, it's little better than a crime. I blame the people who negotiated the Tri-Nations agreement whch was the trigger for professionalism. There should have been a Pacific Islands country in the Super 12. That would change the whole structure of world rugby. Don't even think about the hundreds of PI kids on rugby scholarships in Australia and NZ, who will probably go on to play for those countries instead of their home nations ... |
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05 Nov 03 - 06:31 PM (#1048727) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Raedwulf At the least, the IRB must surely guarantee the income of any selected international player for the next WC, so that the likes of the PI don't come to the tournament half crippled through missing 1st choice caps? Betcha the useless tossers don't, though... :( |
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06 Nov 03 - 03:43 AM (#1049005) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar Interesting to work out the economics. 20 teams with 30 players in each squad makes 600 players. If each of these is palying at a pretty good level in UK, Europe, or Japan, they will be on about $200,000 per season. If they lose 20% of their season through World Cup duty (including a basic minimum for team camps etc), that is $40,000 eash. 600 x $40,000 = $24,000,000. Which, in terms of the money generated, is not all that much (it isn't mine at all, so I can say that!). Where the argument comes in: Should only selected poorer countries have their players paid by the RWC organisation, or should it be a flat fee for all players? The Australian players, for example, will pick up a couple of hundred grand each as their share if they win the Cup. England, France, NZ, and the Jappies would be in the same league. I can see the reaction of these blokes to the proposition. On the other hand, how should players be selected for the subsidy? Should some no-name amateur from Georgia get the same as Jacob Rauluni (Fiji) or Brian Lima (Samoa), who might be on big contracts elsewhere? Should the big earners from the powerful countries have the RWC amount added to their already large payout? These are dififcult questions - but they have to be dealt with, somewhere, and the sooner the better. |
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06 Nov 03 - 03:58 AM (#1049010) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Nigel Parsons Ard Mhacha: "I think the Rugby authorities went a bit over the top about England fielding 16 men" One problem was that the 16th man was told not to take the field by the "fourth official" but ignored the instruction. It was not a mistake, but a blatent disregard of the rules by a team who believe they're above the rules. Of course, it it was any other team I would probably be more understanding Nigel |
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06 Nov 03 - 07:53 AM (#1049101) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Yes Hrothgar, I agree with you regarding the Oz and NZ sides fielding those Pacific Islanders, sometimes its hard to know whos playing whom, nearly as bad as England fielding, Bracken[Irish] and Catt [South African] and you can enlighten me as to who the others are, I imagine there is a NZ man whose name I have forgotten. Ireland, Scotland and Wales can be forgiven for helping themselves to a couple of players whose grannies were banished for loaf pinching, population wise they are many millions short of England`s huge pick. Ard Mhacha. |
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06 Nov 03 - 05:44 PM (#1049522) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Raedwulf Hrothgar - I'm doubtful about some of your assumptions regarding wages. Your $200,000 (Aus) amounts to about £85K. I'd be surprised if any of these missing players were earning as much as £50K. If they did, they'd probably have the clout to insist on their release! In any case, when I said that the IRB ought to gurantee their income, I didn't necessarily mean that the IRB ought to fork out themselves. A limited application of FIFA's rules on international selection ought to do the trick - clubs *must* release internationals for the WC (possibly for WC qualification too), & would still be expected to pay them. Compensation could be paid for all players at 60% of their salary or @£300/wk (whichever is less), which is probably a substantial proportion of minnows players wages, but far less so for the big boys. If the IRB want a real "World" Cup, they must take some kind of action, but I strongly suspect they haven't got the balls. Ard - Speaking of football, be fair. Most of England's "many millions" play football as their first sport. Although Rugby is regarded as a national sport, it's still very much the poor relation in both finance & numbers compared to football. |
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06 Nov 03 - 06:11 PM (#1049536) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Tattie Bogle Allons enfants de la patrie! Le jour de gloire n'est pas trop loin! |
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08 Nov 03 - 04:26 AM (#1050049) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gurney NZ 29, RSA 9. Good Game, with the All Blacks tiny advantage leading to an incremental success. Wish we had SA's kicker, though. |
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08 Nov 03 - 07:02 AM (#1050069) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Very impressive showing by NZ, they should have been out of sight by half time, the Aussies v Scotland game was an awful mistaken ridden bore,they will ertainly have to play a lot better against NZ. Ard Mhacha. |
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08 Nov 03 - 12:17 PM (#1050175) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Even mistake ridden. Ard Mhacha. |
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08 Nov 03 - 07:58 PM (#1050329) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,Guest NZ'ers are generally pleased if we beat France (still haven't forgiven them for their govt's act of terrorism on our shores in blowing up a ship, and their nuclear activity in the Pacific!), and are excessively pleased if we beat Sth Africa (because we think that some people there still retain a strong dolip of white supremist atitudes!). NZ teams will always have a lot of Pacific people playing - we are after all the largest island in the South Pacific, and our population is multi-racial - many were born here! The only sad thing about losing to OZ (if we do!) is coping with their lippyness about it - sigh. Just remember - NZ's entire population is about the size of Sydney. Go All Blacks!!!!Yeah!!!!!Go antipodaes (..and wild colonial boys)!! |
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08 Nov 03 - 11:54 PM (#1050481) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar "awful mistake ridden bore" was definitely right. I was the one who was "mistaken." I paid to go to the game. If Australia don't improve by 300%, the Ol Blecks will do us by 30 points next week. Oh, well, hope the Irish and Welsh get up tonight - but don't bet on it with your own money. I don't know how well the FIFA rules work. Australia seems to have to fight the Third World War every time we want to get our players for representative duty. Mind you, it is a lot easier for a player to be released to play for Englnd by an English club when it doesn't involve flying halfway round the world and back. |
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09 Nov 03 - 12:02 AM (#1050483) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Peace I'm from Canada. Does rugby have rules? |
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09 Nov 03 - 01:01 AM (#1050501) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar Yes. Does it have people who understand all of them? No. |
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09 Nov 03 - 04:59 AM (#1050548) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Phot England v Wales today, it should be a good match, but who do I cheer for? Somtimes its a real sod being half Welsh, and half English! Come on my boyo! Wassail! Chris |
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09 Nov 03 - 07:04 AM (#1050559) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha France were kind to Ireland after sealing the game in the first half they decided with the Semi-Final in mind to take their foot of the pedal. This French side will more than trouble England, right now it is looking like anyone`s game. Wales lost their game with England simply because they didn`t take their chances, try chances and poor kicking proved fatal, but this Welsh side should take more away from this World Cup than most, they have the makings of a good team, and they are a joy to watch. We have two mouth watering Semis coming up, still fancy the Blacks. Ard Mhacha. |
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09 Nov 03 - 09:12 AM (#1050586) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: HuwG England v. Wales : one try and eight kicks beat three tries and one conversion. Boo ! Wales played far better rugby. Ah, well, moral victory for Wales. Roll on 2008. |
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09 Nov 03 - 01:59 PM (#1050698) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Tattie Bogle Allons enfants de la patrie! Le jour de gloire est encore pus proche! I said when France hammered Scotland, they could win the final. I'm backing Les Bleues! |
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09 Nov 03 - 02:00 PM (#1050700) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Tattie Bogle Sorry, the word is plus not pus!! |
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09 Nov 03 - 02:06 PM (#1050702) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth HuWG - 2008 be b*****d - roll on the 6 Nations ! Gareth who is now going to sulk for the rest of the tournement. |
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09 Nov 03 - 04:25 PM (#1050755) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Arnie Bringing on Mike Catt in the second half made all the difference - better bring him on to start against the French. I reckon we can beat the French but the All Blacks in the final will be a different proposition. Still, what do I know, I'm a Leeds fan!!! |
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09 Nov 03 - 09:47 PM (#1050863) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar At this stage, I reckon whoever beats the French will be the winner. They played the French game at its best the other night, and with far more discipline than ever before. My heart almost bled for the Welsh. That first try was right up there with the best. Now, if Australia keep playing the way we've been playing, I want 50 points start against the Kick One Whack Ones. On the other hand, if we play the way we should be playing, we'll win by a couple of points. This will mean dropping Sailor for Roff or Latham. Losing George Smith will be a blow if it happens, but Cockbain (Matt, not Brent) gives another lineout option. Now, how do we get at the Ol Blecks' food ......... |
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10 Nov 03 - 08:20 AM (#1051009) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: A Wandering Minstrel Hrothgar You might be lucky and get the same referee as on Saturday :| My heart goes out to Wales though. If those kicks had only gone over.... |
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10 Nov 03 - 02:35 PM (#1051196) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Arnie On the radio today, rather predictably, everyone was knocking the English team. Was I in an alternative reality and we really lost on Sunday?? OK, it wasn't our best performance but we won against a strong Welsh team who played their hearts out. Is it now considered illegal to win by kicking penalties?? Any team with a Johnny Wilkinson would be happy to win through his excellent kicking. Bring on the French I say and let's see if England can't raise their performance and beat them. If we win, will be still be criticised if we score less tries than the French and only win on penalty kicks??? |
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10 Nov 03 - 06:43 PM (#1051309) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth God - I'am torn. England V France - who the hell does a Good Welshman wish to see win least. Gareth - Still sulking - Neil Jenkins - where were you when we needed you ! |
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11 Nov 03 - 01:50 AM (#1051477) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST Looking forward to next week-end and the Semis. My personal prediction is that NZ will beat Australia and that England will beat France. To date in this competition France have not been up against any rated opposition and some of those they did come up against held them for the first half. They will have to play against a team that will not fold in the second half. England's biggest problem will be overcoming their tendency to "choke" when faced with the prospect of winning (example: Their lost "Grand Slam" titles over the past few years against sides that they should have completely steam-rollered). People shouldn't be too hard on England or Johnny Wilkinson - the French have won a few of their games courtesy of their kicker puting them in an unassailable position before the tries came. England and France past records tend to favour an England win, as does the tally of penalties conceeded by each team in this competition. Biggest drawback if the above prediction is true and they then go on to win the final - we will all have to sit round and listen to it being endlessly referred to for the next forty-odd years. |
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11 Nov 03 - 05:04 AM (#1051515) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gurney I'll go with HuwG, kicking makes too much difference. Not because England has a great kicker, NZ has had them, too. When I played (Oh youth) it was one point for a kicked goal (I think) and one for a conversion, three for a try. If it is an England-NZ final, I can't lose. Can't win either. "His trousers, they were velveteen. One leg was blue. and one red." |
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11 Nov 03 - 04:46 PM (#1051857) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Phot HuwG, I can't agree more! Wales were by far the better team, I demand a recount, or better still a replay where Wales win!! Wassail! Chris |
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11 Nov 03 - 06:47 PM (#1051937) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar Chris, do you think the run might have improved them? Gareth, your view of England v France makes you sound like an Australian watching NZ v South Africa - the best result is a 0-0 draw with thirty injuries! Australia will have an unchanged run-on team. What's the betting we lose when Wendell Sailor gets exposed in defence - particularly by coming in off his winger. |
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11 Nov 03 - 06:48 PM (#1051938) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth Phot - you go up in my esteam ! Gareth |
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12 Nov 03 - 04:04 AM (#1052203) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Wolfgang My lack of knowledge in this sport is so that I am unable to name even a single player of this sport. But I like watching it those rare moments when we get a tiny coverage in German TV. 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? Wolfgang |
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12 Nov 03 - 11:30 AM (#1052469) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The Shambles Wolfgang In international rugby there have only been very few top teams. It has only been fairly recently - with the advent of the Rugby World Cup - that the smaller nations have become even remotely competitive. One of the reasons for this is that the rules allow Australians to qualify as Japanese. The final 8 teams and the final 4 were pretty certain this time - but there are signs that it may not always be the case. It would be very patronising indeed to describe the Welsh performance against England as plucky and brave. ......The Welsh performance against England was plucky and brave. *smiles* |
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12 Nov 03 - 01:27 PM (#1052544) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Wolfgang, Rugby does throw up the surprise result, I can remember a few years ago England losing out to Scotland, Wales, and Ireland in different years in their last game, with the Championship at stake on all three occasions. I should know I can back losers at Rugby as well as any other sport. Ard Mhacha. |
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12 Nov 03 - 01:59 PM (#1052571) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST That was the dreaded "choke" I referred to Ard. On the recent occasions you quote, if memory serves me correctly, the result of the championship was never in doubt, what they failed to achieve by losing those matches were Grand Slams and "Triple Crown" winners titles. They also lost one, unexpectedly, against France so had to console themselves as six-nations champions and holders of the triple crown for that year. |
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12 Nov 03 - 03:48 PM (#1052656) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Correct, Amigo, but to lose at Wembley to Wales was a real upset and didn`t Ireland win at Twickenham, I can still picture Hooker Moore`s face and he WAS a sore loser. Ard Mhacha. |
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13 Nov 03 - 04:15 AM (#1052929) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST My greatest fear Ard, is that should they win they then prove to be poor winners (the Aussies at present are best known for this trait). A poor loser you only have to put up with for at best a year - a poor winner, particularly of something like a "World Cup" competition you have to suffer for decades (example England's soccer World Cup win). Still think they have a better than evens chance of doing it though. |
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13 Nov 03 - 05:43 AM (#1052966) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha 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 |
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15 Nov 03 - 06:08 AM (#1054029) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gurney 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. |
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15 Nov 03 - 06:17 AM (#1054031) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha 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. |
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15 Nov 03 - 06:50 AM (#1054041) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Teribus 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. |
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15 Nov 03 - 06:57 AM (#1054045) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Sooz 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? |
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15 Nov 03 - 07:10 AM (#1054046) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gurney 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. |
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15 Nov 03 - 09:37 AM (#1054103) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Tattie Bogle 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 |
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15 Nov 03 - 02:32 PM (#1054237) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST 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. |
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15 Nov 03 - 09:46 PM (#1054475) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar 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! |
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16 Nov 03 - 06:06 AM (#1054597) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar 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. |
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16 Nov 03 - 06:21 AM (#1054605) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Cllr 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... |
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16 Nov 03 - 06:45 AM (#1054618) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Teribus 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. |
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16 Nov 03 - 06:54 AM (#1054621) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha 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. |
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16 Nov 03 - 08:43 AM (#1054658) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The Shambles 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................ |
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16 Nov 03 - 10:43 AM (#1054689) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Teribus 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. |
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16 Nov 03 - 12:40 PM (#1054747) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Phot Start crying Aus, we are going to whip your ass! Wassail! Chris. ...........But it should have been Wales! |
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16 Nov 03 - 12:48 PM (#1054751) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha 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. |
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16 Nov 03 - 06:28 PM (#1054989) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar 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. |
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17 Nov 03 - 07:46 AM (#1055358) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha 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. |
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17 Nov 03 - 07:53 AM (#1055363) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST 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. |
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17 Nov 03 - 07:57 AM (#1055366) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,Teribus 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!! |
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17 Nov 03 - 06:47 PM (#1055789) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Tattie Bogle 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?? |
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17 Nov 03 - 06:51 PM (#1055792) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth Help - Request from the's lad down in the Royal Oak. Where cab d a tape/CD of Oz Drinking Songs for Sarerday ??? Gareth |
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18 Nov 03 - 06:13 PM (#1056521) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The Shambles 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.......... |
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18 Nov 03 - 08:18 PM (#1056597) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Naemanson 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* |
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19 Nov 03 - 03:53 AM (#1056742) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar 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." |
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19 Nov 03 - 04:00 AM (#1056750) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar 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" |
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19 Nov 03 - 07:32 AM (#1056850) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,Teribus 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. |
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19 Nov 03 - 07:38 AM (#1056853) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,Teribus 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. |
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19 Nov 03 - 07:56 AM (#1056869) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha 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. |
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20 Nov 03 - 02:46 AM (#1057562) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar Don't let the truth spoil a good story, Teribus. :-) |
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20 Nov 03 - 04:05 AM (#1057595) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The_one_and_only_Dai 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. |
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20 Nov 03 - 11:22 AM (#1057815) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,Teribus New Zealand in Third Place and France in Fourth Looking forward to Saturday and the game between England and Australia. |
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20 Nov 03 - 11:35 AM (#1057821) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The_one_and_only_Dai 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... |
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20 Nov 03 - 01:14 PM (#1057893) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,Teribus 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. |
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20 Nov 03 - 01:36 PM (#1057909) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The Shambles 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. |
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20 Nov 03 - 03:40 PM (#1057993) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha 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. |
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21 Nov 03 - 03:49 AM (#1058308) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The_one_and_only_Dai 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... |
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21 Nov 03 - 05:51 AM (#1058357) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Dai, Two mighty names, I think God would have trouble locating them. Ard Mhacha. |
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21 Nov 03 - 07:51 AM (#1058407) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Terry K 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. |
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21 Nov 03 - 02:05 PM (#1058648) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha As I said, not a lot. Ard Mhacha. |
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21 Nov 03 - 07:26 PM (#1058850) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar Nah, no real heavies. We go for quality, not quantity. |
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22 Nov 03 - 02:05 AM (#1058979) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The Shambles The Australian team can go for quality points today - I trust that the England team will go for quantity..................... |
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22 Nov 03 - 05:13 AM (#1059005) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha 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. |
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22 Nov 03 - 05:58 AM (#1059007) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha As I said, wrong again, still fancy England in extra time, SEE YOU. Ard Mhacha. |
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22 Nov 03 - 06:33 AM (#1059010) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Bassic Well done lads, awesome!! |
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22 Nov 03 - 06:35 AM (#1059012) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha 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. |
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22 Nov 03 - 06:50 AM (#1059014) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar 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. |
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22 Nov 03 - 07:37 AM (#1059023) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: greg stephens Brilliant game. nailbiting. Maybe boring if you were a neutral, but stunningly exciting if you wanted someone to win! |
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22 Nov 03 - 07:43 AM (#1059024) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: McGrath of Harlow 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. |
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22 Nov 03 - 08:10 AM (#1059033) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: cobber Australia's response in a word. SHIT This and other expletives are currently being expressed across the nation. Great game though Well done Poms |
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22 Nov 03 - 08:18 AM (#1059037) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The Shambles I'll settle for boring glory - as the Australian team would have also settled for this. I agree that they did indeed look 'gone' when 'Billy Wizz' went over the line but full credit is due to them for coming back. It was nice to see people in the crowd dressed in green and gold - clapping when the cup was being awarded. In truth it was a bit too close for comfort but nice to see that it was boring old Jonny Wilkinson that scored the deciding drop goal points. It was also nice to see him break into a smile at the end. |
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22 Nov 03 - 10:08 AM (#1059069) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Big Tim I'm glad England won: it's about time the Aussies lost something. (Hope Bob Bolton doesn't see this!). Did I hear the commentator correctly - sounded like he said "the judge, Dutchman Paddy O'Brien"! |
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22 Nov 03 - 10:25 AM (#1059081) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: 8_Pints Dramatic & exciting game to watch! For me both teams played with commitment and skill, given the conditions. I can't make up up my mind about who was 'Man of the Match', but perhaps that is as it should be - it is a team sport after all! Congratulations England (from a Welsh Dutchman) |
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22 Nov 03 - 02:06 PM (#1059165) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Trevor Phew!!!!! |
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22 Nov 03 - 04:04 PM (#1059202) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: greg stephens Sorry, Bob Bolton, but such is life. |
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22 Nov 03 - 05:24 PM (#1059239) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hera ...and what did you think of the "style" of the man hanging medals on the Oz necks - looked like he was throwing quoits - rather sloppy and disrespectful I thought - quite hysterical even! Did he have a wee disability or was he pissed? Great final - not winning is always a good opportunity to practice humility and grace (Kiwis know this...& Oz attitudes towards Kiwis can be sooo tedious! ;-). |
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22 Nov 03 - 06:58 PM (#1059270) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar No good saying sorry to Bob, Greg. I don't think he really cares. Now if you want to apologise to me it won't do the slightest bit of good. :-) p.s. Didn't Prime Minister John Howard look absolutely graceless as he presented the winners' medals to the Poms. Not even the ghost of a smile. |
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22 Nov 03 - 08:40 PM (#1059324) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The Walrus "...p.s. Didn't Prime Minister John Howard look absolutely graceless as he presented the winners' medals to the Poms. Not even the ghost of a smile..." John Howard, I can understand - National Pride and all that - (It's understandable, just not excusable). Worse, I thought, was the pillock from the organisers who was awarding the medals to the Australians, it was almost "take this and sod off"<1>, It looked as if he'd lost money backing the Aussies. I enjoyed the match - I'm just not looking forward to the press for the next few days. Walrus <1> I think in one or two cases, he just handed the medal over, rather than the traditional 'hang around the neck') |
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22 Nov 03 - 08:41 PM (#1059325) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The Walrus Sorry, in my last post for 'handed over' read 'shoved in their hand' Walrus |
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23 Nov 03 - 02:18 AM (#1059392) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: wilbyhillbilly A really good cliffhanger! Well done both teams! Aside from the result, I must say what a fantastic opening ceremony. The kids that started that Hymn? Anthem? and then ending up with the full choir I must admit, had me really choked up with emotion. And what clever organiser included True Colours? very appropriate I thought. Well done Oz. |
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23 Nov 03 - 02:52 AM (#1059396) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The Shambles On the down side: The UK ITV coverage was really poor - most of the atmosphere being lost in the commercial breaks and some of the ref's decsions were more than a little strange. We get used to the sight of people being awarded and stuggling under huge pieces of gold or silverware - but in Martin Johnson's hands this cup looked like an egg-cup! Looking at the re-runs, (for I had to close my eyes too much when it was on live) the large number of important tackles that Johnny Wilkinson made were just as important as his kicking. I think I would like to bear his children........ |
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23 Nov 03 - 12:22 PM (#1059423) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: paulo Great final. Won by they right team. But can we change the anthem? God save the Queen? Or as Harry was singing God save my Granny. Lets have something that's not BRITISH but ENGLISH. Come on. Suggestions. Paulo |
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23 Nov 03 - 12:24 PM (#1059426) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: paulo Joe This could then transfer to the music section!!!!! Paulo |
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23 Nov 03 - 12:49 PM (#1059434) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: McGrath of Harlow We've had threads about a proposed English National Anthem before. Maybe someone could stick in a link. I seem to recall that I favoured "We All Live in a Yellow Submarine". Or since the Ozzies decided they didn't want Waltzing Matilda, and opted for Advance Australia Fair (in which direction is never made clear), perhaps the English could repatriate the tune, with the Walking the Bulldog words. It'd be a good way of commemorating what happened on Saturday... |
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23 Nov 03 - 01:12 PM (#1059441) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Herga Kitty Twickenham folk club (Spiers and Boden tonight, in a couple of hours time)has to be cancelled if there's a rugby match on a Sunday. Oh well, at least 22 November will now be memorable for a reason other than the assassination of JFK. First time a team from the Northern hemisphere has won the world cup... |
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23 Nov 03 - 02:27 PM (#1059474) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: McGrath of Harlow It's the date of the downfall of Maggie Thatcher, so it's already a date with some cheerful connections, to balance out Dallas. The Womens Rugby World Cup was last year, when New Zealand won. Somnehow it didn't get the same attention. Maybe next time. |
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23 Nov 03 - 02:45 PM (#1059486) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: boglion Can it really be called a World Cup any more than the laughable World Series in Baseball (or is it Rounders)? There are only 5 or 6 countries who could conceivably ever win it. It is the main sport only in three major nations: New Zealand, South Africa (among the whites), and Wales. Australian Rules is far bigger in Oz. Soccer is far far bigger in England and Scotland. It has a small following around Toulouse in France. While in Ireland it comes in behind Gaelic Football, soccer and hurling. The rules are impossible to understand and even the players misjudge them continually. I managed to get a rugby supporting friend of mine (he's a member of Bath RFC) to admit this week that he didn't understand the rules. It's a very strange phenomenon. Probably there will be a resurgence of crowds going to matches in England but this will soon fade away as spectators get disillusioned by the intricacy of the rules. Still as someone said on my favourite Millwall website; "If England were the Ludo World Champions I'd be delighted but I wouldn't necessarily want to watch it" Slainte, Terry |
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23 Nov 03 - 06:41 PM (#1059582) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Phot Well done the boys! This game kept me on the edge of my seat! Shame it wasn't Wales! Wassail!! Chris |
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23 Nov 03 - 10:11 PM (#1059671) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,ooh-aah I've heard some sour grapes in my time, but Terry's takes the cake! |
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24 Nov 03 - 02:45 AM (#1059725) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: mouldy I was in Ripon Cathedral doing a craft fair, with a radio plugged into my lughole. The people next to me had one too, and a woman about 3 stalls away had a little 3" screen TV - and this was only in one corner of the building. Every time anything was scored the Dean climbed into the pulpit and made an announcement. When things got somewhat nerveracking, it got a bit "loud" in our corner, to say the least. An hour or two later, the Dean wandered past, took one look at my England shirt, raised an eyebrow and said, "I take it it was you doing all the shouting, then?" They don't half echo, these old buildings! To my shame I still haven't seen any of the game, as I was out during the evening. My daughter's fiance says not to, if I care for my nerves, as he still gets all wound up even after two or three viewings - a friend of his, an undertaker, got called out just around the 80 minute mark to pick up a heart attack victim due to the match, and again through the replay later that night! Andrea |
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24 Nov 03 - 03:38 AM (#1059737) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gurney Paulo wants an English anthem? Easy. Jerusalem. As Mick Flanders pointed out in the intro to HIS patriotic song. |
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24 Nov 03 - 08:31 AM (#1059828) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,Strollin' Johnny Boglion - why shouldn't it be called the World Cup? It's open to all nations. Your line about "only 5 or 6 countries could conceivably ever win it" is true also of the Soccer World Cup (in fact I doubt if there are as many as 5 nowadays), and only one country could win the World Series (the USA's the only country with so little imagination) :-) |
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24 Nov 03 - 10:43 AM (#1059902) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,English John Walrus, I agree about the presentation. It was one of the most astonishing and comical official functions I have ever seen. Could it be the little fellow handing out the gongs just wanted to get out of the rain? |
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24 Nov 03 - 04:06 PM (#1060074) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Big Tim I believe that the World Series is derived from the name of the newspaper that originally organised or sponsored the competition: it does not mean World Championship. (Perhaps one of our American friends could enlighten us on this point). |
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24 Nov 03 - 05:55 PM (#1060132) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,Canberra Chris Missed the game, performing with the Shiny Bum Singers at the Loaded Dog in Sydney, then the replay driving home. But we did perform the following parody during the game, with actions: We Are The Rugby Ones (Parody of 'I Am Australian') Sometimes for no reason We form those weird scrums A form of male bonding With our heads between our bums Other times we line up And leap into the air But we look so silly when The ball just isn't there. Chorus: We are large, but we are stupid And from all the rugby lands we come With leather balls, and silly headgear, I am, youse are, we are the Rugby Ones. Welsh sing 'Bread of Heaven' In parts, for they are hot English sing the chorus of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' And other songs are sung In the bath after the game But their words I would not Repeat to you for shame. by Chris Clarke (I am a Mudcatter, on my other email address) |
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24 Nov 03 - 06:42 PM (#1060162) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gareth And NO POSITIVE DRUGS TESTS ! Which reminds me of the Old Old Joke. "The Welsh Team tested positive for Valium" Gareth |
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25 Nov 03 - 04:11 AM (#1060411) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Teribus Absolutely brilliant, anyone who can say that it was not an exiting final has got to be joking - World wide competition (the teams of 80 countries were involved in the qualifying tournanments), the game went to extra time and the final seconds of that extra time. The Australians played well, their pack were blown before half-time, but hell's teeth they hung on and made a game of it. Ard Mhacha may go on about Wilkinson's kicking - but as someone else has said - He put in some mighty tackles. Some rather odd decisions by the Ref regarding his interpretation of "crossing" - I actually thought you had to cross, also with the scrum collapsing - situation England scrum 5m short of the Aussie line, English pack completely dominating, scrum collapses and the penalty gets awarded against England????. But for all that a fantastic match - WELL DONE ENGLAND. |
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25 Nov 03 - 04:55 AM (#1060437) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Gurney For the record: The guy hurriedly handing out the medals is said to have been harrassed by the TV crew, as the match had gone into extra time. He has apologised and explained. That's what they said on sports radio here in Godzone, anyway. |
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25 Nov 03 - 05:43 AM (#1060454) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: greg stephens Boglion moans that it's not much of a World Cup because only a few countries play it, and says also that in South Africa only the whites play. Now I dont know anything about South African sport so I cant comment on that, but I do have a lot of friends(who are black) from Zimbabwe, which borders on South Africa. And they are all rugger fanatics. They have a fantastic rugger song called "Shosholosa" (which I'm pretty sure is South African in origin) which they sing magnifiecently.(They also sing Swing Low as well, but that's another story). Anyway, I just thought I'd mention this in case people are deluded into thinking that rugger is just a white sport. |
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25 Nov 03 - 06:11 AM (#1060464) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Teribus one try in the game dosen`t say much for flowing rugger, have another look and you will see it was a dour struggle, dominated by appaling conditions. Ard Mhacha. |
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25 Nov 03 - 06:51 AM (#1060480) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Big Tim Greg: is that Zimbabwean song the same one as the "Cho Cho Losa" song recorded by the Ian Campbell Group in the 60s? Rugby's not my sport...but surely it's perfectly legit for any player to excel at any aspect of the game; for example - kicking. |
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25 Nov 03 - 07:13 AM (#1060489) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Dave Bryant Perhaps this post of mine earlier on was somewhat prophetic - England did use rather unusual tactics - and they did win ! |
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25 Nov 03 - 08:08 AM (#1060509) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Teribus ard mhacha, If memory and match statistics are correct, there were two tries, wingers tries, both magnificent, both relied on the judgement and experience of the players who scored them. Each side took every opportunity to kick in their attempts to put points on the board, the English side were just ahead in their ability in that department of the game. Possession and time in the opponents half, both statistics very heavily in England's favour. But for one handling error there would have been two England tries. England always looked like they were about to score. In the second half, during passages of play by the Australians, even after five phases of play, time after time, they completely failed to cross the gain line. The game was flowing enough, it was certainly exciting enough, nothing dour about it at all - Ard - Don't confuse sport with entertainment, as I've said before, that has never been what World Cup Finals are about - It's purely about winning. All the record books will tell you is that the 2003 Rugby World Cup was won by England, the first Northern Hemisphere side to win the trophy. While weather conditions may dictate the course of a game - they most certainly cannot dominate it - conditions being the same for both sides. |
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25 Nov 03 - 08:29 AM (#1060520) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: greg stephens Big Tim: I've never heard the Ian campbell group do it, but it will be the same song I'm sure. Shosholosa (Chocholosa?) and Wimoweh(Mbebe) were the two African songs knocking around on the folk scene at that time, I recall. The Ladysmtih Black Mombazo recording of Shosholosa was I think used as a TV theme tune for some previous coverage of a world cup a few yeard back: though perhaps only in South Africa and not world wide. |
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25 Nov 03 - 08:41 PM (#1060971) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Canberra Chris NORTHWEST PASSAGE (Northwest Passage: Stan Rogers) Dedicated to the Aussie forwards in the 2003 World Cup final, and the gallant Canberra-based Canadians. Chorus: Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Johnson reach illegal for the ball; Tracing one more line through a pack so wild and savage And make a Northwest Passage through the maul. Westward from the scrum-base 'tis there 'twas said to lie The route through the advantage line for which so many try; Seeking cup and glory, leaving weary, broken bones And a long-forgotten trail of grunts and moans. Three driving mauls thereafter, I take passage overland In the footsteps of brave Finnegan, when through the scrum he ran Watching flankers rise before him, then behind him sink again That hardiest of forwards, driving on despite the pain. And through the maul, behind the ball, the leg-drive pushing west I think upon big Willie, Toutai Kefu and the rest Who cracked their forward ramparts and did show a path for mine To race a roaring charge across the line. How then am I so different from the first men through this way? Like them, I left a settled life, I threw it all away. To seek a Northwest Passage through the strength of many men To find myself flung backwards once again. by Chris Clarke |
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26 Nov 03 - 03:48 AM (#1061154) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Teribus, The usual long-winded crap, did you ever play any sport, tell any Manager, Coach, or experienced player that conditions don`t matter and he will have you certified. England massive pack and their many years playing together deserved a reward, they got it with the aid of the greatest kicker that ever graced the game, but please don`t tell me that pouring rain and a sodden pitch won`t make most games a lottery. Stick your music contributions on the `cat?. Ard Mhacha. |
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26 Nov 03 - 04:24 AM (#1061164) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar Let's change the laws so that we don't have to play in the rain. |
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26 Nov 03 - 04:47 AM (#1061181) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST It's time Hard Matchbox, or Mad Munchkin, or whatever her name is, put a sock in it. The weather was wet, but both teams ran it wide, making for an incredibly exiting game, even without the heart-stopping ending. As for 'boring for a neutral spectator', she must be joking - my wife, who is German, nearly had the police visiting she was shrieking so loud with exitement. Let's not fool ourselves that Machacha is neutral anyway - her anti-English bias is so clear that her comments simply seem ludicrous - as a Primary School teacher her comments reminded me of typical grade 3 sour grapes when an enemy wins a prize. Nice one England - God help the Irish when England meet them, whatever the weather. (I'm presuming Macher is Irish from the whingy-whiny mingy carping tone of her comments - but of course she could be a Scot, or a man, or both). |
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26 Nov 03 - 04:48 AM (#1061183) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Teribus Hrothgar, LOL!! That might work well for an Australian "winter" sport. Ard Mhacha, Your bias and bigotry are showing. You're the one talking crap, match statistics are a bitch aren't they. English pack not that much heavier than their Australian opponents. The Aussie team have been around for a fair time themselves. The greatest kicker also played extremely well off the ball and in the tackle, don't deny that of dismiss the importance of it. I pulled you up on your statement about weather dominating the game - IT CAN'T - I said it will dictate how that game is played - take a look through your own posts in this thread and you will find at one point you said exactly the same thing. Oh! by the way, I did play play Rugby, at a fairly respectable level - how about you? |
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26 Nov 03 - 05:14 AM (#1061194) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: GUEST,OOH-AAH I apologise that my forthright comment to the Munchkin appeared as from an anonymous (cowardly) guest. I am OOH-AAH! and I have the good luck to be ENGLISH, oh the delight and glory! (And winning the rugby was good too!) Maniacal laughter followed by sound of breaking glass as wife smashes bottle on head. If only Arnie Musher could show some of the admirable sportsmanship and good grace shown by the Australian team and (remarkably) most of the Australian media. |
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26 Nov 03 - 07:00 PM (#1061627) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: CET I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who noticed that the fellow who presented the silver medals was a graceless jerk. I never had the chance to play the game when I was younger, but even I could tell that the result was not just a result of a massive pack and a great kicker. The English running game was at least as good as the Australian. This was no lottery. England clearly dominated and it was their mistakes that kept the score as close as it was. Edmund |
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26 Nov 03 - 09:07 PM (#1061717) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The Shambles In truth it was an unusual game in that England - despite the fact that they were pressing and dictating the game - did not score any points in the second half. You could have expected any team in their position to have added some points during this period from penalty kicks etc, especially given the skill of Jonny Wilkinson. But you can't score from penalty kicks if none in kickable range are awarded. Credit should go to the Australian team for their play in this period and for their disipline in not having penalties awarded against them within kicking distance of the posts. However, I think this was only partly true as it is unusual for a referee never to blow-up for any of the indiscretions that must have been commited by the mainly defending Australian team in this 40 minute period. Especially as most of the play was in the Australian half and the England team had most of the ball............? I used to have to play the game at school under a sadistic (Welsh) sports master. I developed a stategy for survival where I always managed to ensure that wherever the ball was - I was not. |
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27 Nov 03 - 03:52 AM (#1061834) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha So Teribus you played tyhe game at a respetasble level, was it for Old Wailhallions or one of those British Army door-kickers, read my posts and you will find PRAISE for the English team. How could anyone begrudge those mighty men in the pack that have given there all for years, not too many teams with so many players in their thirties will ever do what they have done. And never forget there are more clubs in England than there are players in Ireland, Rugby as a sport in Ireland comes a long way behind Gaelic games and Soccer. The Irish,Scots and Welsh do well to compete against such vast odds, but then again like the weather conditions this dosen`t really matter. Ard Mhacha. |
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27 Nov 03 - 04:26 AM (#1061847) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Hrothgar ard macha and Teribus, Go away and start your own thread, and we'll manage without you. Peace. |
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28 Nov 03 - 12:28 AM (#1062347) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Charley Noble LOL Chris Clarke's parody of "Northwest Passage" above is brilliant! May he live long and prosper. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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28 Nov 03 - 03:08 AM (#1062373) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: ard mhacha Hrothgar, I can oblige by going to the music threads, can Teribus. Ard Mhacha. |
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06 Dec 03 - 07:30 PM (#1067024) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Tattie Bogle Well I went to the music and missed the match, because we had Fiddle 2003 on in Edinburgh on the crucial day, so music won! It might have been different if Scotland had been in the final, though (That'd be the day!) I was sufficiently interested to video the "highlights" programme, but out of an hour's programme got about 20 minutes only of rugby (+ 20 mins of adverts + 20mins of chit-chat!) |
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07 Dec 03 - 02:37 PM (#1067343) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: Charley Noble Chris Clarke- Well, I think your two parodies posted above are positively brilliant! If I knew something about the game I would be tempted to parody "All My Trials Soon Forgotten" as "All My Tries Soon Forgotten." I suppose in a BS thread one shouldn't expect much appreciation for musical art but I am still surprised that not one other Mudcatter posted a comment. Charley Noble, back from the land of the rugby international |
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08 Dec 03 - 07:33 AM (#1067719) Subject: RE: BS: Rugby World Cup From: The Shambles Anyone going to the England team's reception in London today? |