General Rugby Thread [Archive]

TiGeR

11-25-2005, 05:43 AM

Now you all know why BOD was gang tackled & manhandled by Tana & Keven M. - he showed disrespect & got rugby's equivalent of a hot poker up the arse...smileys/smiley36.gif...not justifying the "spear tackle" or indeed saying whether it was or wasnt..just that BOD got served up for disrespecting the Haka by two of the brown brothers...http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/graphics/spacer.gif

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<H2>How to deal with a haka</H2>
<DIV =storydate>Wednesday November 23 2005</DIV>Carlos Spencer explodes myth of young warriors and grass-throwing

A lot has been written about the haka over the past few months. Debates have raged over whether it has a role in the game, the ostentatiousness of the performance, the new throat-slitting routine, the lack of respect shown by host teams by placing it before the home anthem, how to react to it and so forth.

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<DIV =storyPicCaption>AB Saint: Spencer surveys Franklin's Gardens

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Not being ones to assume too much, we asked someone who has led the haka on a number of occasions precisely what it is about and what to do with it.

In the midst of a promotional event with Gillette - the official male grooming partner of England Rugby and the Premiership - Northampton Saints star Carlos Spencer ducked out and told us a bit about it.

"The haka has been a part of our rugby culture for years," said the former All Black.

"To lead the haka is a huge honour. It means different things to different people, but it is an honour to all who are a part of it.

"Certainly if you are from a Maori family like me, it means more perhaps, but it is something that every All Black will learn and treasure."

One of the most controversial reactions to the haka occurred during this year's British & Irish Lions tour when Brian O'Driscoll and Dwayne Peel faced the challenge at the front of a huge semi-circle of players before O'Driscoll tossed a handful of grass into the air at the end of the performance.

O'Driscoll claimed to have researched the process and found it to be the traditional cultural reaction, but the New Zealand public saw it as simply disrespectful.

The usual way has been for the opposition to simply link arms in a line and front up to the pop-eyed All Blacks in a line.

O'Driscoll may have simply taken his research too far though, according to Spencer.

"It's up to the opposition what to do," he said.

"They can stand up and look you in the eyes if they want. They can go off in a huddle if they want - although they might miss a psychological trick if they did that.

"There is no rigidly set way to react to it. It is a tradition, and it pumps you up.

"I wouldn't really say it gives you an edge, but it makes you focus."</DIV></DIV>

Shayne

11-25-2005, 03:31 PM

I'm not too sure if i agree with the new haka. Not exactly the sort of image you want to beam across the world to millions of kids.

TiGeR

11-28-2005, 10:40 AM

Well, apparently the ABs will 'look' at the throat slitting gesture so maybe that will go...personally, i think in its context te new haka is fine & then in terms of sports entertainment, the stuff kids are seeing & hearing in WWE for example make kapa o pango tame by comparison!

What a w/end of rugger- the taffs pulled off a famous win in Cardiff, the ABs got their slam & the french pulled off a stunning win over the bokke...England Vs Samoa was a boring slugfest....& so the curtain closes on the autumn international series...roll on S14! (i back France to do the business in the 6 Nations & England should be a force again, provided they are able to get some decent backs & actually create stuff out wide...

Shayne

11-28-2005, 09:23 PM

Boks losing against the French is just wrong. I just put the international standings on my main page http://zimbo.bounceme.net and they will probably change dramatically over the next week or so.

biffon

11-28-2005, 10:34 PM

& the willibies were woeful as usual.

Only Wallaby i enjoyed wating was Tuiqiri, he was the only one making the breaks and creating chances, as for the forwards... ooo boy i shudder to think of the lambasting they got after the game!

Gregan is too predictable - wheres the flair gone? - in the last 7 games ive seen him run the ball once and kick it twice...

we needpocket rocketGiteau or Henjak in that pozzy to give it more meaning to the game cause at the moment No9 seems just a link to the backline from the scrum and nothing else.

I hark back to the heyday of Jooste & gregan

that was always an entertaining tussle - they were always worrying each other at the breakdown, scrums.. looking for the inside past or flick off the boot etc... were a joy to watch.

not anymore... smileys/smiley18.gif

TiGeR

11-29-2005, 04:25 AM

Ja, i agree...barring the frenchmen Yachvilli & Elissalde, the no.9s currently starting test matches at international level for England (Dawson) Australia (Gregan) NZ (Weepu & Kelleher) & SA (Classens) are pretty ordinary... the days of big tussles between Marshall, Gregan & Van der Westhuizen are DESPERATELY missed... the woeful wallabies will need to rethink their gameplan & i believe IF Eddie keeps his job, he has to let Gregan & Whitaker go (barring HUGE form & an AWESOME S14 performance from George, whose leadership qualities would be an asset..Whits...bad luck boet, you ARE the weakest link!) & let Henjak take on the big job with Phibbs from the Brumbies as the understudy...with the injured okes returning & form permitting, here is my 30 man wallaby squad for 2006 & the 2007 world cup (names in brackets are guys who can cover other positions)-

Front rows: Fitter, Baxter (if he can develop/ Oz candevelop another) (Tightheads) Holmes, Hardy (both youngsters but i rate them ahead of Dunning/ Young ONLY because there isno one else at the moment even REMOTELY at the required level & they can develop for the future (Looseheads) Paul,Polota-Nau (hookers) & if they can develop a prop who can play on both sides of the scrum, then that would be my 30th man...

Locks- Vickerman, Chisholm, Sharpe, McMenniman& Kanaar.

Loosies- Waugh, Smith, Roe, Fava, Elsom, Lyons

Half backs- Henjak & Phibbs (Giteau)

Fly half- Larkham, Norton-Knight (Giteau)

Inside centres- Giteau, Turinui (Mortlock)

Outside centres- Mortlock, Johanssen, (Rathbone) (Turinui)

Wings- Rathbone, Tuquiri, Mitchell (Mortlock) (Rogers)

Fullbacks- Latham, (Rogers) (Mitchell)

Comments?Edited by: TiGeR

Shayne

11-29-2005, 05:08 AM

Nice picks there Tiger and i agree with pretty much all of it.

Australia are in deep shit in the front row. All they require is parity up front because, like New Zealand, Australia have a back division capable of inflicting serious damage.

Aussie have some great backs. Mat Rogers, Chris Latham and particularly Lote Tuqiri were a constant danger to Wales.

TiGeR

11-29-2005, 06:23 AM

Ja- they need some REAL scrummagers in the front row to give them the platform from which to unleash those awesome backs...IMAGINE for example that England had had Aussies back against NZ....smileys/smiley5.gifbye bye Grand slam!

TiGeR

11-29-2005, 07:27 AM

Check out no. 46 below! smileys/smiley32.gifat least we're in the top 50! smileys/smiley36.gifWhen i took the U19s to U19 World Champs earlier this yr, we were ranked 23 out of 24 & at end of tournament we were ranked 15th so the talent IS there...(& in typical Zim style, we had 4 days in camp to prepare, while the least prepared team apart from us had been in camp for 2 wks & played against their U21 side...smileys/smiley2.gifFORTUNATELY i'd seen it happening 'before it happened' & had given each guy a position specific program & tests which they had to get done by their uni/ school coaches & faxed to me, so i could monitor their progress)...ANYWAY!...

World ranking as at 28/11/2005:
(Last week's ranking in brackets)
1 (1) New Zealand 93.32
2 (2) South Africa 88.76
3 (4) France 86.10
4 (3) Australia 83.93
5 (5) England 83.27
6 (6) Wales 82.54
7 (7) Ireland 80.03
8 (8) Argentina 78.16
9 (10) Scotland 73.60
10 (9) Fiji 73.11
11 (11) Italy 72.40
12 (12) Samoa 70.97
13 (13) USA 68.31
14 (14) Canada 67.42
15 (15) Romania 66.47
16 (16) Uruguay 66.27
17 (17) Portugal 65.93
18 (18) Japan 65.93
19 (19) Georgia 63.88
20 (20) Tonga 62.04
21 (21) Morocco 61.51
22 (22) Korea 60.44
23 (23) Russia 59.25
24 (24) Chile 59.22
25 (25) Czech Republic 58.78
26 (26) Namibia 58.52
27 (27) Spain 55.80
28 (28) Germany 55.60
29 (29) Hong Kong 54.08
30 (30) Paraguay 53.63
31 (31) Ukraine 53.08
32 (32) Netherlands 51.86
33 (33) Poland 51.82
34 (34) Tunisia 51.32
35 (35) Brazil 50.98
36 (36) Croatia 50.87
37 (37) Belgium 50.84
38 (38) Kenya 48.97
39 (39) China 48.79
40 (41) Ivory Coast 48.57
41 (42) Arabian Gulf 48.31
42 (43) Chinese Taipei 48.28
43 (44) Moldova 47.76
44 (45) Madagascar 47.70
45 (46) Sri Lanka 47.52
46 (47) Zimbabwe 47.32 smileys/smiley32.gif
47 (40) Switzerland 47.07
48 (48) Singapore 46.70
49 (57) Latvia 46.46
50 (49) Denmark 46.41

biffon

11-29-2005, 08:26 AM

thats just sick

how the @#!@ does madagascar & polandget ranked higher than zim? is this a XV's ranking or rugby in general

I would have thought our sevens team would be ranked at least in the top 15 in the world? possible top 10?

TiGeR

11-29-2005, 09:08 AM

Our 7s are up there in top 15 but XVs...well, lets just say between politics in Zim & our top guys playing outside the country (Kennedy Tsimba, David Maidza, Leon Greef to name a few, plus lots of the guys who should be seniors in clubs/ provincial teams not being there having emigrated & youngsters at uni./ emigrated with their families has played HAVOC with the national team...THEN comes the issue of coaches...when we've had a decent one, the union has buggered them around & they've quit leaving USELESS people to coach...

Shayne

11-29-2005, 03:34 PM

Poison

11-29-2005, 03:38 PM

Zimbabwe really suck. 47th that is shocking.

Now what is there to do? smileys/smiley5.gifNo more rugby until the Super 14 really.

But hang on, now we have a summer of great cricket..smileys/smiley4.gif

Starting off this weekend at Eden Park with Aussies vs Kiwis for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

Definitely have to make a plan to go to the game..Edited by: Poison

TiGeR

11-30-2005, 08:55 AM

<H2>WorldXV from Planet Rugby</H2>
<H2>Monday November 28 2005</H2>

We choose our World XV after the November trials

For four weeks, the world's best have been playing in their trial matches, all trying to attain the ultimate accolade.

15. Chris Latham (Australia). 'If you can keep your form, when all around you are losing theirs...' So might Rudyard Kipling have paid tribute to Latham's terrific performances for Australia during this test series. An inspiration to his team, and dare one suggest, a natural successor to George Gregan?

14. Rico Gear (New Zealand). He may have been wonderfully served by his team-mates, but Gear just could not stop scoring, from the hat-trick against Wales, through to his brace against Scotland. Lethal, and with an effortless gliding running style that was a pleasure to watch.

13. Tana Umaga (New Zealand, captain). Right the way through the series, and even from the stands, Umaga has been the figurehead of this magnificent All Blacks team. Direct, honest, immensely talented, and not afraid to confront difficult situations, Umaga is, and always will be, a credit to the game.

12. Yannick Jauzion (France). One of Bernard Laporte's mainstays of the November Tests, Jauzion is the spearhead of the penetrating Toulousain contingent constituting the large part of France's back-line. Unbelievably strong in the tackle and with silky smooth handling, Jauzion is a must in any set of three-quarters.

11. Cédric Heymans (France). A harsh call to leave out any other New Zealander perhaps, but Heymans' all-round game - attack, defence, kicking, handling - coupled with his power and flair for a gap, win the blond bomber the vote.

10. Dan Carter (New Zealand). Currently the most accomplished player strutting any pitch in the world. The IRB's Player of the Year single-handedly destroyed the Lions during June, notched well over half his team's points against Wales, and was the key to New Zealand's victory over England. Can anyone find a weakness?

9. Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (France). The performance against South Africa confirmed that Elissalde still has the nip, cheek, and buzz that messrs Gregan and Dawson have lost from their game. Elissalde has the fastest hands in the business, and is always good for a quick tap, or snipe, or kick through or...

8. Martin Corry (England). Has finally matured fully into the mantle of England captain - not before time either. He may not quite have the handling of Owen, or the speed of So'oialo, but Corry will have your forwards on the front foot every single time, and puts in a huge number of tackles.

7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand). We are currently spoiled for choice in the world list of flankers, with the likes of Bonnaire, Smith and Charvis all queuing up for the top spot, but Richie McCaw is still the best in the business.

6. Jerry Collins (New Zealand). A simply towering performance against England nets the Hurricanes' players with the boxer's biceps the other back-row spot. Anybody who claims to have seen a performance with more running and tackling in it this November is lying through their teeth.

5. Victor Matfield (South Africa). An extraordinary performance at the line-out against France in Paris puts Matfield head-and-shoulders above the rest. Magnificent running away from the set piece also stood him out from the rest of his pack.

4. Chris Jack (New Zealand). Has maintained the high standards he set during the Lions tour, including his work at the rucks and mauls. The safest hands of any lock in the game.

3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand). Was perhaps overshadowed by Andrew Sheridan at Twickenham, but nobody else even came close to unsettling the hirsute Kiwi prop.

2. Dimitri Szarzewski (France). The young blonde hooker has been a revelation since he broke into France's first team ahead of Sebastian Bruno. He is exceptionally fast - to the point that one of us mistook him for Heymans during this series - and outside of the scrum, plays often like an extra loose forward. Just what any team could do with.

1. Andrew Sheridan (England). Will Matt Dunning or Al Baxter ever forget the mess that the brick of Sheridan made of the wallaby scrum? Will Carl Hayman relish the next encounter with him? We thought not....

What do you think lads?- I would have to disagree with the No. 8 (Maybe Schalk Burger, George Smith OR Rodney So'oaiolo there?) & i'd have Rokokoka on the other wing...12...i agree but i'd be as happy to see Conrad Smith there...

TiGeR

12-03-2005, 05:20 AM

Hey klads, its official- Eddie Jones has been sacked as Wallabies coach...comments?

Shayne

12-03-2005, 07:29 AM

Yeah i just saw it on BBC. I dont think Eddie was to blame this time. His players are the ones on the field and they should take the stick.

Whats the bet of Eddie leading a Super 14 side this year?

Shayne

12-03-2005, 07:31 AM

What do you think lads?- I would have to disagree with the No. 8 (Maybe Schalk Burger, George Smith OR Rodney So'oaiolo there?) & i'd have Rokokoka on the other wing...12...i agree but i'd be as happy to see Conrad Smith there...

WTF? No Sterling Morlock? Whats this world coming to? I agree with Burger. Have seen that number 9 for France. Is he any good?

TiGeR

12-03-2005, 08:03 AM

THe Reds need a coach for 2007 cos their doing a Brumbies & booting their coach nxt yr irrespective of results...but i think Eddie will go to Japan...sad because i think he is the right guy, but he had many lives & made some mistakes & his boys underperformed& let him down...Mortlock on form yes, but he had a quiet S12 by his standards & then being left behind from the last tour means he isnt match fit at the mo',...The french no. 9s (both of 'em!) are better than anyone else in Intl. rugger at the mo'...they pass, they run, they kick, they flick passes...they are just sharper & quicker than anyone else in the game...maybe Pichot of Argentina is better but for the talent of the pack he is playing behind he's been producing a shit show!

TiGeR

12-13-2005, 11:23 AM

Anybody see Jonah's come back? The big fella is BACK! He played 60 mins & showed glimpses of his old self...will be interesting to see if he has what it takes to break into a S14 & ultimately the 2007 AB squad...i think he could make it as a blindside flanker, but not as a winger...just remember, you heard it here first! smileys/smiley36.gif

Apparently Taine Randell is retiring at end of this yrs Guiness Prem. @ age 31 ...remember him!? Too much too soon i say...poor bugger got shafted BADLY...i hope he goes back to NZ & plays for Hawks Bay in NPC & maybe gets a short contract to play S14 & add depth & experience to one of the sides...if i was an SAS14 coach i'd be hunting him down to add depth to my side...one day when i'm coaching at that level i'll pull off stuff like that...watch this space! smileys/smiley36.gif

Shayne

12-13-2005, 03:46 PM

Taine Randell is still around? No way!

I believe the Force's new captain is Nathan Sharpe. I think their first season is going to be interesting and they have a shot at the top eight for sure.

Laurie Fisher, ex Brumbies coach is one of the people being considered to replace Eddie Jones as the Australian coach. Jones has approached the Reds to take over from Jeff Miller interestingly enough.

TiGeR

12-14-2005, 02:20 AM

Laurie's a good coach & well respected by the players but had a shyte S12 due to the same injuries effectively that blighted the wallabies...i see him in the job in future, with Ewen McKenzie as his deputy, but their time is not yet here...i'd have to say my front runners for the Oz job are John "Knuckles" Conolly (ex Q\land & Bath coach) with Pat Howard to do the backs & one of Andrew Blades/ Mick Foley to do the forwards...

i think the Force will be ok as long as they dont have injuries...their depth looks suspect...i also think it'd be great to have Eddie back in S14 coaching at the Reds...i would like ANYONE but Ewen McKenzie to coach the wallabies...he's a PRAT!

biffon

12-14-2005, 03:51 AM

i agree - a NSW coach is all we need right now

i think Laurie has a good chance mainly due to the politics, not really
too much to do with his ability, though im not questioning that at
all... anyone at that level should be good enough to coach a national
team. IMHO

TiGeR

12-14-2005, 04:12 AM

Ja oz rugby politics at the moment is holding the country back BADLY & of course the whole scrumming thing starts at jnr level where refs & state legislators have made it SO damn safe for lighties to scrum that there is reallyno contest there...the guys at national level have become quite good at coaching their front rows to cheat without getting caught, but they were found out badly these last two yrs in the tri nations when the IRB changed the scrum laws to make the scrum a real contest again...the media went MAD about Jake White's comments about the wallaby scrum in general& Bill Young in particular at loosehead...then Andrew Sheridan & England happened to the Wallabies (although if you watch the French test, they also ate the wallabies alive up front) so there is BIG work to be done...

I think the head coach needs to be someone with experience of both the more open attacking SH game as well as the NH forward play & thats where John Conolly stands head & shoulders above all the other contenders, especially since John Mitchell has stood down as a contender... (imagine, he would have been England, NZ & Australia coach all within 10yrs of each other! smileys/smiley32.gif) But ja, a NSW coach would definitely spell the end of the wallabies chances at even a semi final birth at RWC 2007...

Shayne

12-14-2005, 04:26 AM

John Mitchell was crap as the AB's coach.

TiGeR

12-14-2005, 06:12 AM

I agree he didnt do a great job with the ABs, but then again he won back to back tri nations & his test record as coach isnt bad so...he is also the reason England won the 2003 RWC & were so awesome...Clive never 'coached', he just came up with a gameplan, selected the players & managed the system...John Mitchell, then Andy Robinson were the guys who actually did the 'coaching'...

Shayne

12-14-2005, 04:03 PM

Ah ok. Mitchell's record doesnt seem ot be that bad.

Politics seem to be holding a number of countries back and one of the reasons why South africa dont have a chance of winning the world cup again IMHO. NZ is politics free and one of the main reasons why they are doing well.

Greenballs

12-15-2005, 03:03 AM

ABs are king this season... Usually an avid Aus supporter (my boys have been disapointing lately)... have a look at Naas' new hounds:

Uploads/Greenballs/2005-12-14_200131_www-zGOz-com-0511165300.jpg

TiGeR

12-15-2005, 03:23 AM

Ja, politics in sport (as in piss poor management) is a lot of GOBSHYTE & is always effing things up for us spectators...smileys/smiley7.gif

SA rugby gets things right on the field & the small Unions (Bulldogs, EP, SWD are broke, okes are fighting for power or having investigations into financial mismanagement)& SARFU exec is a FUCK UP! (big boss is a crook but they keep him there!)

England win RWC in 2003, & are now ranked 5/6 in the world? The clubs are fighting with RFU & their team is taking pipe on the field...

Australia have handled the whole losing streak badly...you dont bunt a coach 18 months out from a world cup...ESPECIALLY when 14 of the best 22 players in the country are out of action injured...then of course there was the heat from NZ for Oz voting Japan in the RWC bid process...so the Union execschange the focus by firing the coach...FUCKING IDIOTS!

All is not well in the world of rugby...i call a NZ Vs France final in 2007...SA & one of Eng/ Aus to play 3rd/4th place play-off...

Greenballs

12-15-2005, 03:31 AM

Don't know about France- they're so inconsistant. One day hot as hell and next cold! SA & Aus have some reasonable depth and I think this will be an advantage come '07... some really tallented youngsters who by '07 will be playing with a lot more experience and finese. It'll still be a goodie and ABs are yet to prove themselves in RWC over last decade- they're always there but pipped at the post by the more consistant teams.

TiGeR

12-15-2005, 03:45 AM

I think Bernard Laporte has found the formula with France in terms of consistency (they've certainly been good the last 18 months & are improving with every game) & certainly while the ABs seem to have cocked up over the last 20 yrs in RWC (they last won it in 87 & made one final in 5 RWCs since then...but Graham Henry & co. are canny coaches & they've developed a team with EVERYTHING...speed, power, mental toughness, depth, forward power, backs that'll tear up any defence & probably most frightening (if you're not a die hardAB supporter) is that by rugby standards in terms of what they're trying to do, they're not even NEAR peaking yet...smileys/smiley5.gif....just hope my Boks can find a world class 9 & 10 & a decent no. 8...

Greenballs

12-15-2005, 03:49 AM

Did you watch any of the Rugby League recently... fuck those boys are power. Aus has an awsome side and if they could get their hands onto a couple of those lads for their backs... potent!

TiGeR

12-15-2005, 09:04 AM

Ya, those leaguies are strong lads...but they are a gamble in terms of bringing onboard to rugby union...the games are SO different...& also they dont get the same slary switching to union as they would command in league...Oz needs frontrows, not backs...they have backs APLENTY, but are SERIOUSLY short of front row players...

On league, NZ beat Oz in the Trinations/ World cup final this yr...both a series & tournament win for first time in 32 yrs!...think i mentioned this before ina post earlier...smileys/smiley5.gifOLD AGE! smileys/smiley36.gif

Shayne

12-15-2005, 04:30 PM

What the smileys/smiley35.gif???

Henson's hair scoops top honours
Tuesday December 13 2005
Another accolade for the Welsh wonder

We recently brought you the happy news that Gavin Henson picked up Heat Magazine's 'Torso of the Week' award. But that's absolute piffle compared to his latest gong.

http://www.rugby365.com/mediastore/images/editorial/Lions/henson_autograph_200.jpg

Yes, it's official - the Welsh wonder has the Best Male Celebrity Hair of 2005. Bravo, Gav!

Brylcreem questioned over 1,000 people from across the UK as to which male celebrities have had the best and worst hairstyles of the year and Henson came up trumps.

The Ospreys centre and part-time author beat off stiff competition from the likes of actor Daniel 'Harry Potter' Radcliffe and some bloke/thing called Journey South.

http://www.rugby365.com/COUNTRY_BY_COUNTRY/Wales/Country_New (http://www.rugby365.com/COUNTRY_BY_COUNTRY/Wales/Country_News/story_47961.shtml) s/story_47961.shtml

TiGeR

12-15-2005, 05:48 PM

Just proves once again the NH are a bunch of powder puffs & deserve every arse kicking they get fromthe SH...what a fairy!smileys/smiley36.gif

Shayne

12-15-2005, 10:24 PM

At least the NHwon some trophies for the cabinet this year smileys/smiley36.gif

TiGeR

12-16-2005, 06:13 AM

What trophies are those? England won Cook cup from Oz, France & Wales won the cups Vs Oz & thats all...ABs got the slam, Boks only dropped to France & ABs & Oz beat Ireland & French Baabaas...

Autumn tests- NH- 4 SH- 7 ...& would have been MORE if SA & Oz had played Scotland & SA had played England & Ireland...

...but i know, i know...England are the current holders of the World cup...smileys/smiley19.gif

Shayne

12-19-2005, 05:20 AM

2006 TRI-NATIONS -FIXTURES:
(Kick-off times to be announced)

July 8: New Zealand v Australia, Christchurch
July 15: Australia v South Africa, Brisbane
July 22:New Zealand v South Africa, Wellington
July 29: Australia v New Zealand, Brisbane
August 5: Australia v South Africa, Sydney
August 18/19 (tbc): New Zealand v Australia, Auckland
August 26: South Africa v New Zealand (venue tbc)
September 2: South Africa v New Zealand (venue tbc)
September 9: South Africa v Australia (venue tbc)

Adam

12-19-2005, 05:30 AM

Can't wait to watch this tri nations series, hopefully australia will have sorted there shit out and put some pressure on both SA and NZ.

TiGeR

12-19-2005, 06:33 AM

I think 2006 will be another tight affair between the ABs & Boks..Oz will come close & challenge both sides but their injured boys will be coming back into the game & they'll be a new side with a new coach so i cant see them actually winning the whole thing...

Poison

12-19-2005, 08:22 PM

All Blacks '06 Tests Confirmed

All Blacks 2006 Test Schedule

Sat 10 June: New Zealand v Ireland , Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Sat 17 June: New Zealand v Ireland, Eden Park, Auckland
Sat 24 June: New Zealand v Argentina Buenos Aires, Argentina

Philips Tri Nations

Sat 8 July: New Zealand v Australia, Jade Stadium, Christchurch
Sat 15 July: Australia v South Africa, TBC, Brisbane
Sat 22 July: New Zealand v South Africa, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Sat 29 July: Australia v New Zealand, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Sat 5 August: Australia v South Africa, TBC, Sydney
Fri 18/Sat 19 Aug: New Zealand v Australia, Eden Park, Auckland
Sat 26 August: South Africa v New Zealand, TBC
Sat 2 September: South Africa v New Zealand, TBC
Sat 9 September: South Africa v Australia, TBC

http://xtramsn.co.nz/rugby/0,,12416-5154169,00.html

TiGeR

12-24-2005, 12:59 PM

Too many Tri nations matches...getting EFFING boring! smileys/smiley7.gifneeds to be expanded into5 nations with the inclusion of Argentina & Pacific Islands teams (whoever wins a tri tournament between Fiji, Samoa & Tonga in previous yrfor inaugural tournament & then thereafter they play each other in qualifiers as part of their prep for overseas tour atyrs end...

TiGeR

12-29-2005, 03:15 AM

<DIV =storyLayout>
<H2>The many mouths of 2005</H2>
<DIV =storydate>Wednesday December 21 2005</DIV>Have you been paying attention?

The past year will be remembered as one of the most vocal rugby years on record, but can you match mouths to men?

<DIV =inlineads>



</DIV>

- scroll down for answers -

1: "I was disgusted with the first half. I was fuming and embarrassed by our defensive display. We just missed tackle after tackle, or were not there to make the tackles, and it was totally unacceptable."

2: " absolutely spitting. I'm livid. There's two tries we've been cost. We've got to go back to technology. I don't know why we didn't. We are upset now, but the referee is in charge and he has called it his way and we have got to be able to cope with that."

3: "We ambushed a few people this year and caught them by surprise, perhaps because we were written off. They have done the business, a minimum of 10 players and I would think a lot more could make the trip [to New Zealand with the Lions]."

4: "I've told the players to enjoy these moments and to soak it all up after all the sacrifices they have made. We were under pressure you cannot understand."

5: "The trick for us is to find players who are going to be better than what we've got at the moment. Clearly the players we've got aren't good enough."

6: "When Clive read out the team for the Southland game I was absolutely devastated. I take my game very seriously and this will take me a while to get over. I didn't sleep at all well."

7: "I was playing in the jersey I respect the most and with a great bunch of guys. This is a great way to finish."

8: "The whole of New Zealand now know how to beat this squad. Play at pace, hustle them at the breakdown and eventually the cracks appear."

9: "I am absolutely convinced more than ever we've got a team who can do something special in the first Test."

10: "I think they cheated like buggery, and they got away with it so good on them."

11: "I wonder if [the media's] 16th-man approach helps New Zealand? Might it not just be a reflection of a nation's desire for the Lions to be beaten and so simply serves to compound the already enormous pressures on Graham Henry and his players?"

12: "Have you heard the latest from the Lions camp? Clive Woodward is sending Andy Robinson to a fancy-dress party tonight. He's going as a pumpkin. They're hoping at midnight he'll turn into a coach."

13: "I have worked so hard for so long to get to this and to have it taken away by such a cheap shot leaves a really nasty feeling - they could have quite easily broken my neck."

14: "There wouldn't be enough wall space for all that crap, so why bother?"

15: "He has a bad-news story that he must damp down. He'll go to any lengths to divert attention from the pathetic Lions' performance on Saturday night. For him, the 'spear-tackle' is manna from heaven."

16: "There's a big wide open country out there that some of them would love to see at some stage. I guess they'll have to come back after the tour to visit."

17: "I was called a Judas or something like that. It was fun, I guess."

18: "He was God, wasn't he?"

19: "I don't think there is a gulf. I'd say to all New Zealanders just to be reflective. The only time you can really judge teams like New Zealand is in a World Cup when everyone arrives in the same preparation. Who holds the World Cup at the moment?"

20: "I think this is it for me - I will look back on six wonderful tours, lots of highs and lows, but great enjoyment."

21: "I'm still a Lion too, I have great affinity for the idea of the Lions and there's a bit of me that's still with them."

22: "The criticism seems to be pointing in a lot of different directions but as a player you have to be better than your opposite number, and from 1-15 we weren't. There's a lot of guys who went over on that tour with big reputations. Quite frankly, they haven't lived up to those reputations."

23: "I am very disappointed and very angry with everyone, including myself. We are trading on our reputation of the last two or three years, and we have got no divine right to win any game. It is down to hard work, effort and energy. At the moment, one or two are putting it in, and one or two aren't. We got what we deserved today."

24: "Jean is not the villain here. Borges could have broken his neck - Jean might have saved his life."

25: "To my mind we are not far from being a good side. If I could use a cricket analogy it is the difference at the moment of being caught at first slip and edging just wide of first slip. I will enjoy seeing how that can be translated into French."

26: "They hung in there, showed a lot of tenacity and scored a try at the end. They were back in defence very often and we feel for them."

27: "If you take the scrum out of the equation, we played well."

28: "If you take the assassination out of the question, the President and Mrs Kennedy quite enjoyed the drive from Dallas to the airport."

29: "I can picture line-outs that didn't quite go where we wanted them to go and I can picture two instances when players were running onto the ball and falling over and the ball rebounding elsewhere."

30: "We are England, we are at home and we expect to win all the time."

31: "It's one of those games you never want to end."

32: "We will now put this in the hands of our lawyer Richard Smith, and we don't want to prejudice this any more."

33: "I guess we always expect perfection and at times we didn't achieve that."

34: "I have always felt my best game is my next game or in the future, and I still feel that way."

35: "Professional rugby is a result-based game - one win in nine matches is far from satisfactory."

36: "Results have not been as they should have been and I certainly take full responsibility for those, but we've set the base for the World Cup in 2007."

37: "I won't change my style because I like to excite people. I like to think of myself as rugby's equivalent of Eric Cantona or Cristiano Ronaldo."

38: "It's fair to say that if [Gavin] Henson plays against us again, he's in trouble."

[i]ANSWERS

1: Former Scotland coach Matt Williams let's his players have it following their 46-22 loss to Wales in the Six Nations.
2: England coach Andy Robinson fails to buy referee Jonathan Kaplan a beer following England's 19-13 Six Nations loss to Ireland in Dublin.
3: Wales coach Mike Ruddock reflects on his side's Gland Slam triumph and predicts how may Welsh players would be included in the original Lions squad of 44. His minimum prediction was bang on.
4: South Africa coach Jake White hails his side after their 40-26 Tri-Nations win over New Zealand in Cape Town.
5: Former Australia coach Eddie Jones reflects on a winless Tri-Nations campaign.
6: Lions tourist Gavin Henson after being told he would miss the first test.
7: Former AB pivot Carlos Spencer bids farewell to New Zealand rugby for the Maori against the Lions.
8: Former England lock Paul Ackford forecasts doom as early as the Maori game.
9: Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward reacts to the loss to the Maori.
10: Otago captain Craig Newby on the Lions' tactics at the breakdown.
11: Lions spin doctor Alastair Campbell tries to switch on the blowtorch ahead of the first test.
12: 2001 Lions tourist Austin Healey kisses his England career goodbye.
13: Lions skipper Brian O'Driscoll airs his feelings on 'spear-gate'.
14: NZ coach Graham Henry when asked if 'spear-gate' headlines had been pinned up for motivation.
15: Former British Labour Party MP Bryan Gould, now Waikato University vice-chancellor, assesses Alastair Campbell's gameplan.
16: Otago coach Wayne Graham takes a pop at the hotel-bound Lions tourists.
17: Former Wales and Lions coach Graham Henry on his welcome to Jade Stadium for the first Test.
18: NZ centre Luke McAlister on Daniel Carter's performance during the second Lions Test.
19: Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward bowls a spinner in the wake of the Lions tour.
20: Lions legend Ian McGeechan signs off.
21: A magnanimous Graham Henry on his 'dual-citizenship'.
22: Former England skipper Lawrence Dallaglio gives his fellow Lions a kick up the bum after a dismal tour.
23: Former England skipper Lawrence Dallaglio gives his fellow Wasps a kick up the bum after a dismal 21-13 defeat to the Dragons in the Heineken Cup.
24: South Africa coach Jake White defends Bok centre Jean de Villiers who pushed Argentina wing Lucas Borges over advertising hoardings in Buenos Aires before catching the stricken Puma by the sock as he disappeared into a concrete-floored moat.
25: Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones after defeat against France in Marseille.
26: New Zealand coach Graham Henry is just a touch patronising after his team dished out a hiding to Ireland in Dublin.
27: Former Australia coach Eddie Jones following the Wallabies' loss at Twickenham.
28: Australian broadcaster Mike Carlton offers his version of the Wallabies' loss at Twickenham.
29: Scotland coach Frank Hadden paints a desperate picture following his side's 19-23 loss to Argentina.
30: England captain Martin Corry reflects on his side's defeat to the All Blacks at 'HQ'.
31: Wales skipper Gareth Thomas reflects on victory over Australia.
32: England coach Andy Robinson confirms the death of the handshake-and-a-beer culture after Lewis Moody is sent off for fighting during the game with Samoa.
33: NZ coach Graham Henry's eternal quest goes on, even after a 'grand slam'.
34: Australia captain George Gregan still hungry after all these years.
35: ARU boss Gary Flowers after giving Eddie Jones the boot.
36: Former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones contemplates the can.
37: Wales star Gavin Henson explains himself.
38: Leicester Tigers flyer Austin Healey sends out a warning after a fiesty encounter with the Ospreys at Welford Road.</DIV>

Shayne

12-29-2005, 05:39 AM

I only got like 2 of those.

TiGeR

12-31-2005, 03:06 AM

Ha ha ha...pretty funny some of em...'Lord Bald' aka SCW takes the cake tho'...that Lions tour was SUCH a shit show....

Shayne

12-31-2005, 06:40 PM

Hah hah ha hah

Lewis's card in NZ museum
In a famous collection

When England played New Zealand at Twickenham in November, Irish referee Alan Lewis showed three New Zealanders yellow cards, which signified their departure for the sin bin.

The players dispatched were props Tony Woodcock and Neemia Tialata and loose forward Chris Masoe.

Despite the serious shortage in manpower the All Blacks hung on to win 23-19.

Lewis has donated the card he used, the whistle he used and the IRB jersey he wore to the famous New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North.

In his message to the museum, Lewis said: "People are still talking about the game. It was raw rugby and genuine rugby people loved it. It is an honour to be part of that history."

http://rugby365.com/Laws_And_Referees/story_48110.shtml

TiGeR

12-31-2005, 08:59 PM

Another wanker NH rugby official...smileys/smiley7.gifThe sooner he retires from rugby refing the better...

Adam

12-31-2005, 10:33 PM

He though he was clever by trying to screw the AB's but it fired back on him and England got beat, im so glad about thatsmileys/smiley32.gif

TiGeR

01-02-2006, 09:41 PM

Ja...anyway, heres an interesting bit of news...

Reds not rushing for Eddie</LINE>http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/images/clear.gif<BR clear=all>
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<DATE>Thursday, December 22, 2005</DATE> </SMALL>
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Eddie Jones
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Queensland are not rushing to offer Eddie Jones their Super 14 coaching job despite glowing endorsements for the ex-Wallabies mentor from Reds players.

Jones, who was sacked as Australian coach earlier this month, has officially applied to replace Jeff Miller at the Reds following the inaugural Super 14 season.

Reds players have embraced news of Jones's interest in taking over at Ballymore and he has boosted his cause by stating that Queensland has the potential to again be title challengers.

"I don't think Queensland could get anyone better for the coaching job," said prop Greg Holmes, who made his Test debut against France on the Wallabies' ill-fated European tour.

"I think he is a really good coach and personally I know I would be rapt if Eddie got it."<BR clear=all><ISLANDAD>

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Reds flanker David Croft has also declared that Jones would be "fantastic" at Ballymore.

At least eight candidates, including four from overseas, are believed to be vying for the Reds' head coach role.

Queensland Rugby Union CEO Theo Psaros said a selection panel including current Reds international Ben Tune, former Wallabies Dan Crowley and David Codey plus high performance manager Bob Murphy would interview all applicants.

"He [Jones] has officially applied but like every other applicant he's just now part of the process," Psaros said today.

"We expect to make a decision before the start of Super 14.

"We've got a lot of excellent applicants and it's going to be a tough challenge for our panel.

"We've just got to look at the candidates and we're looking for the best available coach for 2007.

"We're not rushing it because it's such a crucial appointment."

The Reds play a pre-season match at Ballymore on January 21 against the Auckland Blues, who will be in a training camp that week at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.

Queensland will travel to New Zealand for another trial game against the Highlanders before the opening Super 14 match with the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium on February 11.

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TiGeR

01-05-2006, 02:11 PM

<DIV =storyLayout>
<H2>How did i MISS THIS!? smileys/smiley36.gif</H2>
<H2>Campbell's Law</H2>
<DIV =storydate>Saturday December 11 2004</DIV>Limbering up for the Lions with rugby's newest fan

News that former government spin doctor Alastair Campbell has accepted the position of media advisor to the British and Irish Lions left rugby hacks quivering in fear.

<DIV =inlineads>The man made mincemeat out of Fleet Street's finest, so who knows what he will do to the moth-eaten old whingers who will make up the tour's press entourage!</DIV>

To test the waters ahead of next year, we sent Tony Blair's favourite news hound our report of the final Test of the Lions' tour of Australia in2001 and asked him if he would be so kind as to add a few editorial pointers...

MATCHER: BI v AUS - 14/07/2001

Two tries from Daniel Herbert (Can we get some filth on this bloke?) helped Australia to a 29-23 win over the Lions in Saturday's decisive third Test in Sydney, claiming an enthralling 2-1 Test series win at a tension-filled Stadium Australia. (Bury all these dubious stats somewhere further down the article.)

The scores were tied at 23-23 going in to the last 12 minutes, but fullback Matt Burke stepped up and shrugged off the pressure to become the Wallabies' hero landing two penalties to fend-off a gallant, if at times headstrong Lions' challenge. (Delete: 'headstrong', add: 'courageous'. And get some filth on Burke - is he gay?)

The home side had gone into the half-time interval at 16-13 in front after an early Lions' try from wing Jason Robinson, but Herbert's touch down just before the break set the tone for a see-saw match, which had pulses on both sides of the equator racing as the Lions mounted a failed late challenge. (Must we highlight 'failed'?)

The Lions' other try on the day came from Jonny Wilkinson just after half-time, putting the Lions in front only until Herbert's second in the 49th minute. (Emphasise 'Lions in front' and expand the theme.)

In truth, the series could have swung either way, but it was the Wallabies' tenacity in the 50/50 contests which saw them edging ahead, Justin Harrison in the second row having a debut to remember, stealing (Nice. Use 'steal', 'Aussie thieves', 'convicts' etc. in headline) a memorable late line-out from Lions skipper Martin Johnson with the hooter imminent to drive a further nail into the Lions' coffin. (Delete: 'to drive a further nail into the Lions' coffin', add: 'to leave the Lions within a whisker of a famous victory'.)

The tourists far from disgraced themselves, with the back-row in particular exposing the soft underbelly of the home side in the loose, where they repeatedly drove through the heart of the Wallaby pack with a string of surging rolling mauls. But in the battle on the ground, it was Wallaby openside George Smith who emerged victorious, with team-mates Kefu and Finegan not far behind him. (I'm fine with the first sentence of this paragraph, just ditch the second.)

Without late injury withdrawal Austin Healey, the 84,000 crowd at Stadium Australia were denied the chance to witness the Leicester wing's pre-match slurs against all things Australia being rammed down his throat. (Who's side are youbloody well on? Delete this paragraph, you utter cretin.)

His late replacement was Welshman Dafydd James, but with Healey also due to serve as Matt Dawson's scrum-half replacement, the Lions' management had to take desperate measures and recruit Scotland scrum-half Andy Nicol to the bench. (Who the hell are you to accusing the management of taking 'desperate measures'? Kill this part completely, you utter imbecile.)

Nicol had not even been part of the squad, being in Sydney merely as a tour guide, but found himself thrown into the cauldron of Stadium Australia. He was not used in the end, but his inclusion in the squad served as a fitting marker of the drama surrounding the 2001 tour right from day one. (If he wasn't used, why the f... are you telling the world about it? You are testing my patience, mate.)

But the real drama unfolded on the pitch and it was Jason Robinson - one of the shining lights for the Lions - who made the first in-roads to the Wallaby defence out wide when he touched down in the left corner after 20 minutes. (Better. Move this bit higher up.)

It was a move which proved that the tourists - underdogs going into this match - were capable of playing their own brand of 'total rugby', two front row players out wide playing a valuable part in the score.(I like thisbit- expand it.)

Firstly hooker Keith Wood drew in Andrew Walker ten metres out, and then loosehead Tom Smith pulled in the last defender before putting Robinson in for a textbook 2 on 1 overlap try next to the corner flag, with Wilkinson nailing the tricky extras in a mixed kicking half. (I don't know enough about rugby to appreciate this fully, but it all sounds great - move it to the top.)

By this time though Matt Burke had already kicked three penalties to Wilkinson's one, and Herbert's try just before the half-time whistle was the next score as both teams sparred around the fringes of the ruck - the Wallaby front-row again given a rough ride by the Lions as Nick Stiles and Rod Moore looked out of sorts. (Nice. Ham this up - 'Wallabies looked like little girls' etc.)

Herbert's try when it came was a result of constant Wallaby pressure, the marvellous George Gregan in particular back to his marshalling best at the base of every ruck, capitalising on some quick breaks by the three-quarters to set the scene for the try, which eventually came after a quick exchange between Herbert and Andrew Walker on the right flank, Burke hitting the conversion for a 16-13 half-time lead. (Must we mention all this? Scratch 'marvellous' for starters.)

Jonny Wilkinson gave the vast and noisy legions of Lions fans something to cheer when he jinked over from short range just after the break, showing a shimmy to Toutai Kefu before cutting in past Dan Herbert for the try, and then hitting the conversion to snatch the lead. (Why on earth is this paragraph buried all the way down here? Do you know nothing about journalism? Make this the sub-header.)

Herbert made amends five minutes later when he was on the end of a quick transfer through the Wallaby hands, their speedy continuity play creating the stage for hooker Michael Foley out wide to unselfishly offload to Herbert for his second try. Foley could well have gone himself, but made sure of the score by putting in the Queensland centre on the overlap, Burke again converting. (Yeah right, 'selfishly' my backside. Video replays clearly showed he was about to drop it - change this paragraph to reflect these FACTS.)

Herbert's next contribution to the match was not so glorious when his clothes-line tackle on the below-par Lions centre Brian O'Driscoll landed the Wallaby a ten-minute spell in the sin-bin. ('Not so glorious'?! It was barbaric. He should be shot. Get your FACTS rights. Why are you making me do your job? You are an idiot.)

The Lions failed to make the most of the space though, Wilkinson's penalty drawing the scores, but no more points coming in what could have been a crucial ten-minutes. (Haven't I warned you about the word'failed'? Buy a bloody thesaurus, you arse.)

The England man missed his third kick of the day shortly after, the pivot's hit-and-miss kicking day giving heart to the Wallabies, particularly during the enforced absence of Herbert. (Let's just gloss over this, okay. It adds nothing to the report.)

Almost immediately after Herbert's return to the fray, Burke again put the home side in front with a penalty. It was a decisive moment, and the Lions had a mountain to climb as injury-time approached. (What mountain? What are you smoking?Use 'the Lions were ready to fight to the death like the law-abiding heroes that they are'.)

The Lions' rolling-maul got into full swing, and as a Lions' line-out came with seconds to go in Wallaby territory, the visitors knew this was the moment they had to seize the initiative. Keith Wood threw in, and Justin Harrison claimed an awesome take at the front, eclipsing Martin Johnson at the front, leaping across his line of sight, stealing the ball, and shutting the door firmly on the Lions. (What are you talking about? I quizzed a randomstudent on the internet about this, he couldn't recall this moment, soit obviously didn't happen. Remove this misleading piece of fiction immediately.)

Referee Paddy O'Brien pulled the curtain down on a memorable series with the final whistle, Australia on balance deserved victors in a series which had everything, great tries, big-hits, controversy, injury, two well-matched teams and most of all, a true rugby atmosphere. (Australia deserved nothing. The Lions let them off the hook because they were guests in their land, and too polite to offend their hosts. Chance this story to reflect this accurate account of what happened. And check out Paddy O'Brien's past. We can use him a smoke-screen. Was he ever jilted by a British or Irish lover? Is he intimate with Burke?)

Australia were wounded after their first Test humiliation, but the last eight days have seen them stamp their mantle as true champions, obliterating the Lions in Melbourne, and then finding the scrapping spirit to pull out a win under adversity in Sydney.('True champions'? 'Obliterating'? 'Scrapping spirit'? Are you an Aussie? Either that or you are a blind fool. Alter this paragraph completely or I'll have you fired.)

The 2001 Lions may have been only seven points away from emulating their 1997 counterparts, but the Wallabies will be partying away in to the wee small hours, knowing that they have beaten the northern hemisphere's finest. ( Get a reporter out there forthe 'wee small hours' - and a cameraman. Let's lead tomorrow with photos of the Australians being vile drunkards.)

It was a fitting way for the cerebral and dignified Rod Macqueen to end his tenure as Wallaby coach, and sets up a fascinating Tri-Nations series as Eddie Jones takes the reins. ('Cerebral and dignified'? That'sit. You are finished.Change this to 'evil and conniving' - that's the truth. And find me filth on these two muppets.)

So, a day of joy for Australia but disappointment for the many thousands of away supporters who had journeyed across the globe to yell themselves hoarse for their team. No matter, after this epic series, the majority of them will already have begun their plans to play their part in British and Irish rugby's next great crusade - the 2005 Lions tour of New Zealand. (Pull yourself together you idiot - you are party responsible for the defeat. You and just about everyone else. Everyone except me, of course. You have 45 minutes to leave the building or I'll have you killed.)

ENDS (Thank Christ for that.)

In anticipation of a crippling lawsuit, Planet Rugby would like to state that Alastair Campbell had absolutely no involvement in this sorry excuse for a feature - we are just big fibbers with too much time on our hands.</DIV>

Shayne

01-05-2006, 04:57 PM

Hah ha hah thats brilliant! smileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gifNice post.

biffon

01-05-2006, 08:42 PM

eloquent lad isnt he - pity he didnt write it really - would have livened up things im sure

Shayne

01-05-2006, 08:52 PM

Pretty interesting.
<TABLE =table-bg cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=2 width="100%">
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<TD =subMenu align=middle colSpan=10>History of Scoring</TD></TR>
<TR =table-sub-er-bg>
<TR bgColor=#f7f7f7>
<TD =table-sub-er-bg align=middle width="10%">Year</TD>
<TD =table-sub-er-bg align=middle width="10%">Goal</TD>
<TD =table-sub-er-bg align=middle width="10%">Try</TD>
<TD =table-sub-er-bg align=middle width="10%">Convert</TD>
<TD =table-sub-er-bg align=middle width="10%">Penalty</TD>
<TD =table-sub-er-bg align=middle width="10%">Drop</TD>
<TD =table-sub-er-bg align=middle width="10%">Drop from mark</TD></TR>
<TR bgColor=#f7f7f7>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>1886</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>1</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>2</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>-</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TR bgColor=#f7f7f7>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>1889</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>4</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>2</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>2</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>-</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD></TR>
<TR bgColor=#f7f7f7>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>1891</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>1</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>2</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD></TR>
<TR bgColor=#f7f7f7>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>1893</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>5</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>2</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>4</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>4</TD></TR>
<TR bgColor=#f7f7f7>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>1905</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>5</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>2</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>4</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD></TR>
<TR bgColor=#f7f7f7>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>1948</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>5</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>2</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD></TR>
<TR bgColor=#f7f7f7>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>1971</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>6</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>4</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>2</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD></TR>
<TR bgColor=#f7f7f7>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>1977</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>6</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>4</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>2</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>-</TD></TR>
<TR bgColor=#f7f7f7>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>1992</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>7</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>5</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>2</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>3</TD>
<TD =subMenu align=middle>-</TD></TR></T></TABLE>

biffon

01-05-2006, 11:06 PM

& whose stats are those?

Adam

01-05-2006, 11:13 PM

the bast part about a game of rugby is the try scoring... from the late 1880's to the early 1890's you would want to be a Daniel carter or Johnny Whilkinsonfor drop coals and convertions rather than a Joe Rokokokosmileys/smiley36.gifDamn messed upsmileys/smiley29.gif

TiGeR

01-06-2006, 01:20 AM

It just keeps getting better! I think its great that the game is promoting try scoring, but unfortunately, in the modern age of professionalism & "win" obsession, scoring tries & losing isnt good enough...certainly fom a coaching perspective, one finds that part of the game plan revolves around manipulating defences to put ones team into positions where penalties can be won, resulting in 3 pointers, which in those tight games are often the difference between winning & losing. I coached a side that scored 5 tries to3 but lost the game because we tried to score tries when we should have gone for posts...a tough lesson for all involved, especially when one considers the fantastic running game we were trying to develop (even if i say so myself!)

TiGeR

01-08-2006, 10:33 AM

<DIV =storyLayout>
<H2>Leicester on an Umaga hunt</H2>
<DIV =storydate></DIV>Decision expected next week

The New Zealand captain Tana Umaga is expected to announce next week whether he has retired from international rugby. Naturally many top clubs are showing an interest in acquiring the great player's services.

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Umaga, whose names are really Jonathan Falefasa Umaga, born in Wellington, is 32 years of age. He played in 74 Tests for New Zealand, 21 of them as captain, ending leading his team to winning the Tri- Nations, the Bledisloe Cup and a Grand Slam in his last year as captain.</DIV>

Umaga will play for the Hurricanes in the 2006 Super 14 competition but is expected to retire from international rugby after that, which could well be causing excitement in French and English clubs.

The most interested English clubs are thought to be Leicester Tigers and Harlequins who are expected to be back in the Premiership next year.

At Leicester Umaga would be an ideal replacement for Daryl Gibson who is expected to go home to New Zealand at the end of this season, one in which he has been troubled by injuries.</DIV>

TiGeR

01-08-2006, 10:39 AM

"Umaga, whose names are really Jonathan Falefasa Umaga"

smileys/smiley36.gifJon Umaga..he heh he Jonny Umaga smileys/smiley36.gifha ha ha! Jonno Umaga smileys/smiley36.gif

Geez i am wetting myself here!

Adam

01-08-2006, 12:31 PM

cool as

Shayne

01-08-2006, 06:03 PM

NOT A BIG YEAR FOR THE ALL BLACKS IT SEEMS.

All Blacks 2006 Test Schedule

Sat 10 June: New Zealand v Ireland , Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Sat 17 June: New Zealand v Ireland, Eden Park, Auckland
Sat 24 June: New Zealand v Argentina Buenos Aires, Argentina

Philips Tri Nations

Sat 8 July: New Zealand v Australia, Jade Stadium, Christchurch
Sat 15 July: Australia v South Africa, TBC, Brisbane
Sat 22 July: New Zealand v South Africa, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Sat 29 July: Australia v New Zealand, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Sat 5 August: Australia v South Africa, TBC, Sydney
Fri 18/Sat 19 Aug: New Zealand v Australia, Eden Park, Auckland
Sat 26 August: South Africa v New Zealand, TBC
Sat 2 September: South Africa v New Zealand, TBC
Sat 9 September: South Africa v Australia, TBC

http://xtramsn.co.nz/rugby/0,,12416-5154169,00.htmlEdited by: Shayne

Shayne

01-09-2006, 03:25 AM

This way old now but i just stumbled across it today again and some of you may not have seen this. The lion haka.

http://www.skivedomain.com/sure/laka/?id=2

sally

01-09-2006, 06:39 AM

TiGeR

01-09-2006, 08:30 AM

smileys/smiley2.gifquite a departure from Tana to Jonathan...

biffon

01-09-2006, 08:44 AM

This way old now but i just stumbled across it today again and some of you may not have seen this. The lion haka.

http://www.skivedomain.com/sure/laka/?id=2

thats piss funny man -good find!

TiGeR

01-09-2006, 09:30 AM

smileys/smiley2.gifsmileys/smiley36.gifgeez that was HILARIOUS!

sally

01-09-2006, 03:56 PM

oh the little things!!!

TiGeR

01-10-2006, 12:17 PM

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0>
<T>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top>
<H1>Dont be so hard on us simple men! smileys/smiley36.gif</H1>
<H1>Umaga hangs up his Test boots (http://www.planetrugby.com/Teams/New_Zealand/story_48277.shtml)</H1>http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/PR_homepage/PR_Homepage2/umaga_t_waves_ABs_120.bmpNew Zealand legend Tana Umaga has announced his retirement from Test rugby, a move that punctuates a glittering international career that spanned eight years and bore 74 caps, 36 tries and many, many honours. He will continue to play for the Hurricanes and Wellington - but there's rumours (http://www.planetrugby.com/Teams/New_Zealand/story_48234.shtml) of a move to England.</TD></TR></T></TABLE>

Shayne

01-13-2006, 10:28 AM

Force forwards won't be pushovers
Thursday January 12 2006
Darwin wants to restore Australian pride

Australian packs, more particularly the tight forwards, are currently regarded as a bit of a joke around the world - something of a pushover. This is based on the hammering that Australian packs took at both provincial and international level in 2005.
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However, Western Force set piece coach Ben Darwin plans to rectify the matter and restore the reputation of Australian forwards as world class athletes.

Speaking ahead of the Force's first ever match as a team - against fellow Super 14 newcomers the Cheetahs in a warm-up match in Perth next Saturday - Darwin said it is vital to get the set pieces right from the outset

TiGeR

01-13-2006, 11:51 AM

Well, at least he has a great Tighthead prop in David Fitter! 125kg & 6 foot 4 he is a man mountain...smileys/smiley5.gif...& more importantly, he CAN scrum! (just ask Os! smileys/smiley36.gif)

Shayne

01-13-2006, 01:10 PM

<DIV =sh>Umaga's career in photos </DIV>
<DIV =sh></DIV>
<DIV =sh>
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41199000/jpg/_41199936_umaga1997_getty.jpg



24-year-old Jonathan Falefasa Umaga, better known as Tana, makes his international debut as a winger against Fiji in 1997
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41200000/jpg/_41200054_umaga_france97_getty.jpg



Umaga makes a real impact for the All Blacks and scores a hat-trick of tries in the 54-7 demolition of France in June 1999
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41200000/jpg/_41200084_semifinal99_getty.jpg



In the 1999 World Cup semi-final, Umaga and New Zealand suffer a shock 43-31 defeat to France in a classic encounter
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41200000/jpg/_41200180_paris2000_getty.jpg



He is named New Zealand's Player of the Year in 2000 and switches from wing to centre against France in the autumn
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41200000/jpg/_41200218_charvis_getty.jpg



He becomes the first Kiwi to win the Pierre de Coubertin Trophy after helping the unconscious Colin Charvis in 2003
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41200000/jpg/_41200296_italy2003getty.jpg



The 2003 World Cup in Australia ends prematurely for Umaga as he injures his left knee in the opening match against Italy
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41200000/jpg/_41200354_captain_2004getty.jpg



He is made New Zealand captain on 12 June 2004 and guides the team to a 36-3 win over world champions England
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41200000/jpg/_41200446_spear_getty.jpg



Controversy follows during the 2005 Lions tour as Umaga faces scrutiny over an alleged spear tackle on Brian O'Driscoll
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41200000/jpg/_41200402_trinations2005_getty.jpg



After a 3-0 win over the Lions the All Blacks overcome Australia and South Africa to claim the Tri-Nations crown
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41200000/jpg/_41200504_haka_getty.jpg



Umaga leads the Haka for the last time as his side claim the Grand Slam over Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland</DIV>

Adam

01-13-2006, 01:15 PM

smileys/respekt.gifsmileys/respekt.gifsmileys/respekt.gifUmaga (Mr Rugby)the LEGEND, going to be missed, he is the mansmileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gif

Shayne

01-13-2006, 01:18 PM

The Year (2005) in Pictures

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41133000/jpg/_41133148_waleshensonpeneng416.jpg

A momentous year for Wales begins with Gavin Henson landing a late penalty to give them their first win over England since 1999, sparking jubilant scenes in Cardiff
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41133000/jpg/_41133150_waleswilliamsmtryfra220.jpg

Hopes of a first Grand Slam for 27 years gather momentum in the Principality as Wales come from behind to win a thrilling match against France in Paris - Martyn Williams scoring twice

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41128000/jpg/_41128040_slam_getty.jpg

After thrashing Scotland at Murrayfield, Wales duly complete the Six Nations Grand Slam on a memorable spring day with their first home win over Ireland since 1983

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41128000/jpg/_41128722_dall_getty.jpg

In England, Lawrence Dallaglio leads Wasps to a third successive Premiership title at Twickenham, spoiling Martin Johnson's final appearance for Leicester before retirement

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41128000/jpg/_41128838_carter_getty.jpg

Despite promising displays by tour newcomer Ryan Jones and Irish flanker Simon Easterby, the Lions fare no better in the second Test as All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter runs riot

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41128000/jpg/_41128898_woodward_getty.jpg

The Lions misery is complete as the All Blacks complete a 3-0 series 'blackwash' in Auckland, leaving Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward's reputation badly damaged

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41128000/jpg/_41128992_nz_getty.jpg

The autumn Tests see New Zealand complete a 'grand slam'. Only England threaten their dominance, but the All Blacks hold on for victory in a titanic tussle at Twickenham

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41129000/jpg/_41129052_moody_getty.jpg

Wales enjoy their first win over Australia since 1987 but England's autumn ends in ignominy for Lewis Moody who becomes the first England player to sent off at Twickenham

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41133000/jpg/_41133164_newcwilkogloom300.jpg

The year ends in familiar fashion with the RFU and leading clubs still at loggerheads, and Jonny Wilkinson injured again. Will 2006 bring better fortune for the World Cup hero?

TiGeR

01-13-2006, 03:25 PM

GOTTA LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Look at his face!...what a WANKER!...i wonder why the Jessicas have embraced him into their ranks?!..maybe they DESERVE each other!

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41128000/jpg/_41128898_woodward_getty.jpg

The Lions misery is complete as the All Blacks complete a 3-0 series 'blackwash' in Auckland, leaving Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward's reputation badly damaged

biffon

01-14-2006, 02:57 AM

Hey tiger have you met or know Paul Hoffman, played for the sharks currie cup team for a while. i was big buddies with him when i was a little kid before my folks left zim to live in SA, we lost touch with his family but he popped up recently playing ruggers in SA.

Do you know what he might be up to now- dont see his name on the Sharks team list at all.

TiGeR

01-14-2006, 04:49 AM

Cant say i have mate but i can find out- i know the sharks have a few 'unknown' players on their books so he might be one of 'em...going to Ellis Park this pm to watch the Bulls Vs Cats S14 warm up...should be really BORING! Sadly, SA sides (bar the Sharks when Mac was coach & the Stormers when Skinstad was playing) havent grasped the entertainment value/ running rugger concept of S12/14 rugby

TiGeR

01-15-2006, 09:40 PM

Henry drops least subtle hint yet

Graham Henry has dropped the clearest hint yet that Richie MCCaw will take over the All Blacks captaincy from Tana Umaga this season.

http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/editorial/New_Zealand/mccaw_wales03_200.jpg

Richie McCaw: The next All Black captain

McCaw has been the understudy to Umaga for some time, and led the team against Wales in 2004 when he was just 23 years old.

He also led the team against Ireland on the Grand Slam tour in November.

"It's not set in concrete but a blind man can see what we have been doing," Henry told the Sunday Star-Times.

"McCaw has been vice-captain and filled in for Tana already and that's what we have been grooming him to do.

"Unless something untoward happens in the next couple of months, he will be the front runner."

"There will be ongoing discussions and we will announce the result of those at the appropriate time," Henry said.

"But I think it's reasonably obvious what's happening there isn't it?

"We have been grooming Richie McCaw for some time and there is a bit of water to run under the bridge before that announcement was made.

"But if everything runs well over the next few months it's obvious."

One factor that could count against the Crusaders captain is his intolerance to head injuries which has seen him sidelined three times in the past 18 months.

TiGeR

01-17-2006, 08:53 PM

Should or shouldn't the WaspsNo.8 make the cut?

Wednesday is the day when we can all go back to talking about how lovely and tragic Jonny Wilkinson is, but until then there is a much more significant problem for England rugby fans to ponder.

http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/editorial/England/Lawrence_Dallaglio200.jpg

Dallaglio: Was this his final England appearance?

'Lawrence' and 'Dallaglio' are the two words puncturing every debate about Andy Robinson's forthcoming Six Nations squad selection. At 33 years of age he has announced his un-retirement from the international game, and is pushing for his England spot in the manner of old.

Except he isn't really. Dallaglio used to be able to let his play do the talking a lot more, but nowadays, all we hear is the ego, underlined by a straw-clutching desire to re-live past glories.

He shone for the first twenty minutes of the Lions campaign, but then this was a Lions campaign in which one tourist was advised to jump into a gin and tonic because he was such a lemon, in which the undisputed player of the tour was an emergency replacement (ironically, the one wearing theNo.8 shirt in the Tests), and which is regarded by all onlookers as the least successful tour ever.

Much is made of that first twenty minutes against the Bay of Plenty before the curse of serious injury struck again, but there is a difference between Colin Bourke and Wayne Ormond, and Rodney So'oialo and Jerry Collins as opponents.

Since his return from injury, and even allowing for the fact that an older player needs time to regain match hardness after a long lay-off, Dallaglio's form just has not been convincing enough despite his own protestations.

The one-dimensional nature of the Premiership game plays into his hands, but the Test intensity of the Heineken Cup has found him out twice now, once in West Wales, and once last Saturday in Toulouse. Desire is one thing. Form is quite another.

All of which makes it seem as though he is playing badly, which is not true, but neither is he producing the form which singles him out as superior to the man currently occupying his shirt in the England team, captain Martin Corry.

But aside from form foibles, Andy Robinson's selection of Dallaglio would be a glaring U-turn on everything that Robinson has been developing in the England set-up since his tenure began.

Robinson has developed an England framework which is largely ego-free, luxury-free, more open, and which looks healthy in the long-term, even if the team is unlikely to defend its Rugby World Cup title.

The insertion of Dallaglio would be the insertion of a super-ego that would be poison to the team-spirit obviously thriving within the Twickenham changing-room walls.

Corry's brand of level-headed captaincy is a crucial ingredient of that particular spirit, but add Dallaglio and you have a player prone to blurting out words such as, "I am very disappointed and very angry with everyone, including myself. We are trading on our reputation of the last two or three years, and we have got no divine right to win any game. It is down to hard work, effort and energy. At the moment, one or two are putting it in, and one or two aren't."

All good team spirit-building stuff. Not. It might work for some youngster-bullying at Wasps, but England team-mates will not be pleased to be on the end of that.

Dallaglio's more recent words have done little to repair the damage caused to the public eye in the wake of that outburst.

"I'm all for development, but a crucial part of development has to be winning," was one such claim, but that simply isn't true. The team that won the 2003 World Cup was fostered through years of disappointment and anti-climax, including the 'tour from hell' in 1998 right through to the multiple Grand Slam disappointments of 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002.

Moreover, that particular sentence suggests that any England team with Dallaglio in has the divine right to winning, which rather goes against the grain of the energetic little tantrum in the wake of the Llaneli defeat.

The most recent interview with Dallaglio has yielded yet more sentences which suggest that Dallaglio's priorities lie more with himself than with the England team.

"My retirement was premature in terms of form and fitness because I was not being deselected," he said in [I]The Guardian.

"I was England captain and I'd finished the domestic season leading both the Premiership and European champions. I then went away with England and in three matches against New Zealand and Australia we lost by 30 points, 40 points and 50 points. I didn't deserve that."

Ah, the perpendicular pronoun! What, then, does he deserve? He had already won the World Cup, having been afforded every available luxury possible to a professional rugby player in the build-up to the triumph.

He had, in fact, won every available winners' medal going, both domestically and internationally, and had had the honour of both captaincy of his country and membership of its empire bestowed upon him. He will deserve more if he moves into coaching and makes a success of it, but there is nothing left to deserve as a player.

"England had been unbeaten for 14 successive games, home and away, against the southern hemisphere," he continued.

"I value that statistic as much as winning the World Cup. To have it blown away in three matches was terrible. I really questioned the motivation of some of those involved with England."

Another blow to team togetherness, even allowing for the fact that Sir Clive Woodward's ambitions were in the process of defecting to the other game. At that point Dallaglio simply missed his World Cup team-mates and their motivation. The winds of change were blowing though, and Dallaglio let them carry him away when he quit as captain shortly after.

England as a team were not at the same intensity in 2004, but then it is debatable whether that intensity will ever be seen again. For the captain of the time to suggest that then there was a lack of motivation, after he quit when the chips were down and is now attempting a return when the chips are fresh and safe in the greaseproof paper is a little oily.

Andy Robinson must now decide whether Dallaglio's brand of inspiration is enough to counter the fact that he simply isn't as fast or as consistently terrifying as he was. It is Robinson's decision, but the inspiration stemmed from the terror.

Robinson must also decide whether Dallaglio's booming confident ego is better than Corry's assured quietness, because there really isn't room for the two of them on the same team in gameplay terms.

Nothing will restore to Dallaglio what he had taken away from him in the most abominable fashion: the England captaincy four years before the World Cup triumph in 2003, when he was framed by the News of the World. Had it not been for that, it is highly conceivable he would have led the team until 2003, until now even. Now he appears to want to aspire to that dream again, but it will never be the same, and to let him try to make it so will make a team mission become one man's quest.

"I want to play, not talk, my way back," said Dallaglio. But there have been more words than man-of-the-match performances recently. He represents everything that is good about England's past, but also what isbad about the post-triumphal blues. England is slowly forgetting the slump, and should therefore forget about selecting Dallaglio.

By Danny Stephens

TiGeR

01-17-2006, 08:55 PM

Get rid of the cocaine junkie i say! ha ha ha!

biffon

01-19-2006, 07:49 AM

front row for the Cheetahs is looking monstrous!!

Os du Randt 128kg,Trevor Leota 122kg,ollie LeRoux 125kg

thats the same as http://impressive.net/people/gerald/2000/07/31/17-14-12-tn.jpghttp://impressive.net/people/gerald/2000/07/31/17-14-12-tn.jpghttp://impressive.net/people/gerald/2000/07/31/17-14-12-tn.jpghttp://impressive.net/people/gerald/2000/07/31/17-14-12-tn.jpghttp://impressive.net/people/gerald/2000/07/31/17-14-12-tn.jpg

or

http://www.thechiefbaboon.com/Forum/Uploads/biffon/2006-01-19_004300_01.1965.jpg

one of these....

or 47 of these http://www.beerforayear.co.za/images/brands/MGD_24-12oz_bottles.jpg

---------

Trevor Leota is not just from Samoa, he is a Sizeable Chunk of Samoa!!!

Rassie Erasmus advises "With a front row like this we'd er, like to win our own ball and make our opponents uncomforable on theirs"

Uncomfortable in the sense of skidding backwards, or being rent asunder?

TiGeR

01-19-2006, 03:24 PM

...SHYTE thats a big unit....but the question is, will their loosies be able to live with the likes of Riche McCaw, George Smith, Warrick Waugh, Chris Masoe, Jerome Kaino etc at the breakdown, win their own throw at the lineout & create enough chances in the midfield for their outside backs to score?...from what i saw of the five SA sides last w/end...NO...but then again, rugger is a funny old game...

TiGeR

01-21-2006, 03:15 AM

So...Lol is back in the England Rugby set up...

TiGeR

02-01-2006, 12:18 AM

Ha haha! Lord Bald in the crap! I LOVE it! :smiley32:

Woodward faces axe at Southampton

Tuesday January 31 2006
'He doesn't seem to have the respect of the players'
The group of investors who are plotting to buy Southampton Football Club from beleaguered chairman Rupert Lowe have warned Sir Clive Woodward that he will be sacked if they are successful.
http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/editorial/England/woodward_saints_fan_200.bmp
Hard Times: Woodward denies rift with players

The sporting world cocked a collective eyebrow when Lowe employed Woodward during the close season - and surprise turned to astonishment when the former England and Lions coach assumed the role of director of football in December.
But the investors, led by millionaire 39-year-old property broker Andrew Strode-Gibbons, claim the Woodward is an unpopular element of the backroom staff and needs to be removed from the set-up.
"If we take over, Rupert Lowe would no longer be at the club and it's unlikely we would want to keep Clive Woodward," said Strode-Gibbons.
"We don't feel he has anything to offer the club and the way things are working out he doesn't seem to have the respect of the players.
"I've spoken to senior players and they have told me that.
"I'm sure he deserves a chance, but we feel he is best served in rugby, not football.
"The way things are working out at Southampton, he doesn't seem to have the respect of the players and people within the club. That's not peaceful harmony."
Woodward, who lead England to victory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, was quick to counter.
"I think I've been long enough in football and professional sport to take all these things with a pinch of salt," he said.
"I'm not going to find out who these players are and why they are unhappy because I don't think they are.
"But if you want to it's not too difficult to find player

Shayne

02-01-2006, 03:26 AM

I hope he gets booted. What a useless twat.

Greenballs

02-01-2006, 04:14 AM

Can't agree more... sometimes i try to convince myself that he must have done something good when they won the '03 RWC but I just can't get Johnny outa my head & give any credit to that fuck pig Clive???

biffon

02-01-2006, 04:20 AM

you guys are cruel man - hes just mizzunderstood

& no that wasnt a spelling mistake ..hehe :D

TiGeR

02-01-2006, 11:04 AM

you guys are cruel man - hes just mizzunderstood

& no that wasnt a spelling mistake ..hehe :D

No, he's a PRAT & a useless gobshyte of a coach- his management skills are OUTSTANDING (he's a self made millionaire) but he isnt a rugby/football coach by ANY stretch of the imagination...England won the RWC because they had John Mitchell coach them for 4 yrs in the lead up...just look at the cluster fuck that was the Lions tour to work out what a monkey SCW is...

biffon

02-02-2006, 03:04 AM

JOHN Connolly has been appointed Australia head coach to lead the Wallabies through to the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, the Australian Rugby Union announced today.

Connolly would head a "more streamlined" and yet to be named coaching management team, the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) said.

The coaching team will have a new structure – consisting of an attack coach, a defence coach and a restarts coach – designed to address key areas identified for improvement.

Connolly, 54, replaces Eddie Jones, who was sacked in Decembeh after the disastrous 2005 season in which the Wallabies lost eight of their final nine Tests.

He coached Queensland from 1989-2000 before guiding leading European clubs Stade Francais, Swansea and, most recently, Bath.

ARU chief executive Gary Flowers said negotiations with candidates for the assistant coaching positions were continuing.

"Over the past two months, we have identified where we need to go," Flowers said.

"I am very pleased to announce today that John Connolly will head the coaching team to take us there.

biffon

02-02-2006, 03:07 AM

No, he's a PRAT & a useless gobshyte of a coach- his management skills are OUTSTANDING (he's a self made millionaire) but he isnt a rugby/football coach by ANY stretch of the imagination...England won the RWC because they had John Mitchell coach them for 4 yrs in the lead up...just look at the cluster fuck that was the Lions tour to work out what a monkey SCW is...

btw - was being sarcastic man i dislike him almost as much as i dislike Johnny "twinkle toes" wilkinson :D

TiGeR

02-02-2006, 12:30 PM

THATS why i like you! :smiley36: no worries mate, SCW is easy to dislike...that smarmy grin of his & his antics as England coach were enough to rub ANYONE up the wrong way! John Connolly wil be good for the wallabies as a stabilising coach, but he has nothing NEW to teach the guys & so the days of Aussie sides being seen as 'innovators' at Int'l level are over for a bit...

TiGeR

02-05-2006, 11:08 PM

:smiley3: Scotland stun France - and the world :smiley32:
Sunday February 05 2006
France battered into submission Scotland tore up the form books at Murrayfield on Sunday afternoon, recording an astonishing 20-16 victory over France to get their Six Nations campaign off to the best possible start.

http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/editorial/Scotland/lamont_s_fra06_200.bmp
Try Time: Sean Lamont leaves France standing

Northampton Saints wing Sean Lamont grabbed both of his side's tries as the resurgent Scots recorded a famous victory in front of a jubilant home crowd. But it would be wrong to single out one man from what was a splendid team effort.
The Scots, led by 50-cap winning skipper Jason White, believed they could shock the traditionally slow-starters, especially after giving them a scare on the opening day of the last campaign in Paris, but precious few outside the Scotland camp shared this view. After all, France arrived in Edinburgh as tournament favourites - and departed black and blue and bowed.
It is a game played with mind and heart as well as sinew and skill. It is an oval ball. It is unpredictable. That's why rugby football is a great game. That's why this match as such a thriller. And what a turn-up for the books.
Before the match there was a moment's silence for Guy Basquet, the former French international who played a remarkable 33 Tests for France as a No.8. He had died in Agen on 31 January. The silence was broken with the firing of a cannon.
Back to the match, and all bets were on France. Never mind their injuries, they were still favourites to win the whole Six Nations, let alone this match against the also-ran Scots. An hour and a half later their ambitions were in tatters. It was back to the Eighties for France and their bête noire at Murrayfield. They lost there seven times in succession between 1980 and 1992.
When Jean-Batiste Elissalde missed the conversion of Sébastien Bruno's late try it left France needing a try to win and just three minutes to do it in. They did not look remotely like doing so as the confident Scots clamped down on them again. In the end a four-point margin of defeat flattered the French.
The Scots played second fiddle only in the scrums - but then the French had only five put-ins in the whole match because the Scots were not nearly as error-prone as the French were. But the French did manage that rare rugby feat - a tighthead.
The line-outs were generally sloppy and the French may have been better off here. But the Scots were certainly much better at the tackle. They cleaned out well and provided quick ball.
They were also better with ball in hand, especially their passing in the tackle. There was hardly a Frenchman who did not make a handling error.
No doubt the French missed Yannick Jauzion in the centre. He broke his toe and the French brought Ludovic Valbon to inside centre where he looked right out of his depth. It must have been a nightmare afternoon for him as he wandered about in uncertainty, gave no direction to his backs at all, knocked on and ran across the field. Surprisingly he played the whole of the match.
But most of all there was a great difference in the levels of confidence. France started with insouciance enough but gradually it flagged until they looked planless. On the other hand the confidence level of the Scots rose. Their heads were up, their eyes were glinting and their hearts fearless as they rushed to tackle the jittery French.
That France was so close at the end may have been due to good fortune and the obvious virtues of the few - Cédric Heymans, Florian Fritz, Rémy Martin and Yannick Nyanga.
That said, the try count was still two-all.
The Scots ended the half 13-3, which flattered France. France had started with their usual calm elan but the Scots were unyielding. There was just under two minutes before the first whistle went, when Hugo Southwell kicked the ball into touch. It was another two minutes before the next whistle went, a penalty when Cédric Heymans use his hands in a ruck. It was played at a great pace, as was the whole half on cropped Murrayfield.
The first crack in French composure came when Dan Parks hoisted an up-and-under into the French 22. Under pressure, Nicolas Brusque fumbled and Marcus di Rollo dived on the ball. Suddenly the Scots were attacking but, with a four-against-two overlap, Jason White ran on a diagonal. Dimitri Szarzewski felled White and the French won a turn-over to clear. In fact France won three vital turn-overs in the half when they were in trouble - and they were in lots and lots of trouble.
A line-out to Scotland became a maul where Szarzewski was penalised. It was kickable but the Scots tapped. Their brave intentions were an anticlimax in a mess.
But the Scots got the score they so richly deserved. They battered on the right and then came left with an overlap. Sean Lamont checked and straightened inside Frédéric Michalak and past Pieter de Villiers for a try at the posts. Paterson converted and the Scots were in a well-deserved 7-0 lead after 11 minutes.
Florian Fritz broke but the pass to Brusque was forward. Mike Blair had a break and Gavin Kerr was there to bound on with it. Paterson then goaled a penalty at a tackle. 10-0 after 20 minutes.
Blair broke and gave to Paterson who chipped. Christophe Dominici was penalised for an early tackle and Paterson kicked the goal. 13-0 after 32 minutes and France looked right our of it.
France did get some attaching going but met Scottish aggression on defence and capitulated for Michalak to try a drop, which missed.
On the stroke of half-time Bruce Douglas was penalised and Jean-Baptiste Elissalde goaled to make the score 13-3.
After five minutes of the second half, Scotland got their second try - an astonishing try. A long kick down the left by Hugo Southwell, who must surely have had his best match ever for Scotland, resulted in a line-out on the French 22. On the French 22. It is worth noting. Scotland won the line-out, made a maul and scored a try.
Those are the simple facts until they actually sink in.
The Scottish forwards had taken on the powerful French pack, which had none of the excuses of injury that the backs had, and beat them. In this maul they licked them. They marched the maul down 22 metres and there was big wing Lamont to plunge, stretch and score. Paterson converted to make the score an incredible 20-3.
France's try came five minutes later and was a brilliant moment of interpassing that went down the right with Fritz running well and then came back to the left.
Two on two, Heymans sold a little dummy to fix the Scots and then sent Julien Bonnaire over in the left corner. Elissalde's conversion came back off the bar. That was an important strip of wood in the scheme of the match.
Dan Parks tried a drop and missed. Paterson missed his easiest penalty of the afternoon, but still the Scots led 20-8 and the clock was plodding along as if covered with treacle.
With 20 minutes to go Andrew Henderson tackle high and Elissalde goaled easily. 20-11.
But Scotland kept the ball with many passes. The French dropped the ball with fewer passes.
With three minutes to go, France scored a copy of their earlier try with lots of interpassing before going wide to the left. This time replacement No.8 Thomas Lièvremont was the one to sell a little dummy and pop a pass to replacement hooker Bruno on his inside for a try in the left corner. The conversion was wide.
With a tense minute and a half to play, France got the ball inside their own 22 and Heymans hoisted a kick into touch. The French did not get possession again.
The Scots won the line-out and played keep-ball until, with half a tense minute left, France were penalised at a tackle-ruck. It was kickable, but intent on limiting French options, Paterson kicked the ball out for another Scottish line-out, deep in French territory.
France's only hope was to win the line-out. The Scots won it, and replacement scrum-half Chris Cusiter kicked the ball into touch. The referee did a bit of tense checking and then blew the final whistle for euphoria to break out all over the field and in the stands as the blue and white flags of St Andrew took on colourful life, all over Edinburgh and all over Scotland. And coach Frank Hadden allowed himself a smile - a gentle, satisfied smile.
And in the royal box, with a courteous bow, the president of the French Rugby Federation, tall Bernard Lapasset, shook the hand of the patron of the Scotland Rugby Union, the Princess Royal, and gave her a congratulatory thumbs up.
The Scots had had trouble selling tickets for the match. There must be many a Scot who would regret not being there and be beating his way to a source of tickets for the next match, when the Sassenachs come north on February 25.
Man of the Match: There were only Scottish candidates - 22 of them, but if you whittled it down you would mention Hugo Southwell, clever Chris Paterson, two-try Sean Lamont, all-round scrum-half Mike Blair and the tackling of the forwards. The forwards really laid the victory on and so you would look for your man of the match there, and our man-of-the-match is veteran lock Scott Murray, so good in the line-outs, so unwaveringly strong when making a tackle, and so clever with the ball in hand.
Moment of the Match: That maul - that second half maul that shunted the might of France 22 metres for the try. The first score of the second half was going to be vital and Scotland did it with that remarkable maul.
Villain of the Match: Nobody - why taint such a memorable day of rugby?
The scorers:
For Scotland:
Tries: Lamont 2
Cons: Paterson 2
Pens: Paterson 2
For France:
Tries: Bonnaire, Bruno
Pens: Elissalde 2
The teams:
Scotland: 15 Hugo Southwell, 14 Chris Paterson, 13 Marcus Di Rollo (Simon Webster, 28), 12 Andrew Henderson, 11 Sean Lamont , 10 Dan Parks (Gordon Ross, 64), 9 Mike Blair (Chris Cusiter, 55), 8 Simon Taylor, 7 Allister Hogg, 6 Jason White (captain) (Jon Petrie, 73), 5 Scott Murray, 4 Alastair Kellock (Scott MacLeod, 75), 3 Bruce Douglas (Craig Smith, 41) , 2 Dougie Hall (Scott Lawson, 63), 1 Gavin Kerr.
France: 15 Nicolas Brusque (Guillaume Bousses, 78), 14 Christophe Dominici, 13 Florian Fritz, 12 Ludovic Valbon, 11 Cedric Heymans, 10 Frédéric Michalak, 9 Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (Dimitri Yachvili, 80), 8 Julien Bonnaire (Thomas Lièvremont, 73), 7 Yannick Nyanga, 6 Rémy Martin, 5 Jérôme Thion, 4 Fabien Pelous (captain), 3 Pieter De Villiers (Olivier Milloud, 64), 2 Dimitri Szarzewski (Sebastian Bruno, 66) , 1 Sylvain Marconnet
Unused replacements: 18 Lionel Nallet, 21 Benjamin Boyet.

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Touch judges: Kelvin Deaker, Steve Walsh (both New Zealand)
Television match official: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales)

biffon

02-05-2006, 11:59 PM

them wee nippers really put it up them frenchie cockrels, to be sure!

TiGeR

02-06-2006, 12:13 AM

Oh flower of Scotland...:whistling:

Shayne

02-06-2006, 12:49 AM

That leaves the Six nations wide open....

TiGeR

02-06-2006, 01:39 AM

The smart money says England will get the flag & France will be the bridesmaid...cant see Scotland standing up again except against Italy (who were robbed Vs Ireland by a GOBSHYTE pommie ref!) Wales & Ireland will be ok but not good enough to take on Eng/Fra & the poor Ites will show improvement, playing a mix of stunning & ugly ball bravely but ultimately will crack the wooden spoon again...

Shayne

02-06-2006, 01:44 AM

Pity the Welsh are so crap this year. I believe they had an understrength team for the England clash.

biffon

02-06-2006, 03:22 AM

why are they so crap one year after winning the flag?

Aboriginal

02-06-2006, 05:16 AM

Maybe coz Connolley is dragging their assistant coaches to OZ?

TiGeR

02-12-2006, 08:58 PM

What a w/end! The Ites were good against the poms who had to sweat a bit...the taffs shagged the jocks quite badly (& so did the ref!) the paddys got done in by a shyte 1st half & les bleus NEARLY blew it in a shocking 2nd half! All in all i would say my predictions are on course...for now!

The 'canes were the team of the w/end & the Blues & 'tahs were the disappointments - 'tahs JUST beating a pretty ordinary but gritty Qld reds side & Blues gettin hammered by the 'canes...the Force were given a gentle welcome by a very efficient & returning to form Brumbies side who were unlucky not to get 5 points (not a bad performance for a bunch of old geezers suffering from a stomach bug eh Dr Aboriginal?) The chiefs, bulls, cheetahs & stormers were one dimensional, the cats were a joke & the bolters were the sharks (whoohoo!) who got off to a winning start...long may it continue! The 'saders were good value for their win & the highlanders were unlucky to get away from the game empty handed
...

biffon

02-12-2006, 11:49 PM

great summary of an interesting w'end tiger - welcome back by the way - we missed your sorry ass! :D

biffon

02-13-2006, 05:38 AM

Article from our local newspaper today:
John Mitchell's Ears?

When asked about the misshapen protruberances that jut from either side
of his skull, the Western Force coach admitted that having his ears rubbed
back and forth in too many scrums had rubbed the skin off the cartilage.
"As a result, I've got a dried up apricot on one side and a diseased kidney
on the other," he told guests at the club's lunch at burswood casino on
thursday.

TiGeR

02-13-2006, 10:42 AM

Thanks m8- good to be back in the game :smiley20: - been busy & having drama in my life..or rather in my workplace...

TiGeR

02-15-2006, 10:37 AM

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Laporte has a go at the crowd

Monday February 13 2006
Lapasset has a go at Laporte
Bernard Lapasset, president of the French Rugby Federation, has called Bernard Laporte, the French coach, to order for his remarks about the spectators at Stade de France on Saturday.
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France were beating Ireland 43-3 at one stage and then let the visitors back into the match, winning 43-31.
The crowd vented their disapproval of the later French performance with loud whistling as the team trudged off the field. More specifically they gave Frédéric Michalak the bird when he was replaced late in a match in which a dream became a nightmare.
Asked by a journalist of the French newspaper Le Parisien about the whistling at Michalak, Laporte turned on the crowd and referred to them as "middle-class shits" ("ces bourgeois de merde").
Lapasset said: "Laporte has gone too far."
Lapasset acknowledged the pressures on Laporte, but added: "He has crossed the yellow line."
Lapasset did not see the need for any further action against his coach.
"He's big enough to look after himself. He knows he has gone too far," he said

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Fava pays the price for booze binge

Tuesday February 14 2006
'I have just taken it on the chin'
The Western Force, Australia's new Super 14 franchise, has dropped their Wallaby No.8 Scott Fava to the replacement bench as punishment for going on a booze binge after his team's 25-10 First Round loss to the Brumbies in Perth last Friday.
http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/rugby365/Super_12/scott_fava_force_200.jpg
On the binge bench: Scott Fava

(http://ads.planet-rugby.com/5c/www.planet-rugby.com/teams/france/920574237/Position2/sportinglife/HN-Sportsbook-02.06-AR-12-05/tb_300x250_6nat.gif/63343032376366613433363835623330)
It was reported in the Australian media on Tuesday that Fava, who on Monday was named in Australia's Sevens team for next month's Melbourne Commonwealth Games, failed a club alcohol breath test.
He was subsequently relegated to the has been relegated to the bench for the Force's second match in the Super 14 series - against the high-flying Hurricanes in New Plymouth on Saturday.
Despite already being under-strength with a few injuries, Force's former All Black coach John Mitchell stuck with the team's disciplinary code to punish Fava for his indiscretion.
The Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported that Fava underwent a compulsory breath test on Saturday, following the Force's encounter with the Brumbies at the Subiaco Oval in Perth the previous day, and recorded a blood-alcohol level higher than allowable team benchmarks.
Reports said Fava had been socialising with his former teammates from the Brumbies, after he scored the franchise's first try.
Club officials said Fava had not been driving on Saturday, with his wife taking him to training.
Fava said he accepted his punishment and had been part of the senior playing group which had agreed to the breath testing and accepted levels.
"I have just taken it on the chin about the testing - I've got my head around it, so it is all good," Fava told AAP on Tuesday.
"It was the unity council in the team, which includes me, that ruled that it [alcohol testing] was a good thing for our team and our culture, so I have got to abide by what was said and the standards.
"That is fine and I am totally aware of that."

Bok Barry is the 'dirtiest player'

Wednesday February 15 2006
Cheetahs for the wooden spoon
Stormers captain De Wet Barry is the dirtiest player in the Southern Hemisphere, according to a player survey done in Australia.
http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/South_Africa2/de_wet_barry_tackle_high_200.jpg
Dirtiest player: De Wet Barry

Over the last number of weeks the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) of Australia visited each of that country's Super 14 teams to survey them on a range of topical issues.
The findings were first published on the eve of the inaugural Super 14, last Friday (February 10), with 121 full time contracted Australian players giving their views on various aspects of the Super 14 competition.
It is ironic that the results were first published just a day before Barry was yellow-carded for head-butting Cats lock Willem Stoltz in their First Round Super 14 match at Ellis Park last Saturday.
But they have now become a talking point again, especially with the Australian Super 14 flag-bearers the Waratahs heading to Cape Town on Wednesday to face Barry's Stormers team in a Round Two match at Newlands on Saturday.
According to the survey the Cheetahs will finish last in the Super 14, with the Reds and the Cats giving them a run for their money in the race for the wooden spoon.
The survey also reveals Australians' dislike for all things South African.
Barry and Bulls lock Bakkies Botha rate as the two dirtiest players.
The most least liked ground is Loftus Versfeld, the most parochial crowd is the Bulls fans, the most boring city to visit is Pretoria, Tappe Henning is No.2 among the worst referees and no South African features among the top four of most respected opponent.
The survey also has an interesting contradiction in that Canberra rates among the top four in both the 'Least liked' and 'favourite' grounds.
RUPA Super 14 Player survey results:
Most respected opponent (individual from any Super 14 team):
Umaga 27 percent
McCaw 16 percent
Carter 6 percent
Larkham 6 percent
Least liked ground:
Loftus Versfeld (Bulls) 22 percent
Ballymore 6 percent
Ellis Park 6 percent
Canberra 6 percent
Favourite ground:
Canberra 24.50 percent
Aussie Stadium 21.50 percent
Suncorp 18 percent
Subiaco 13 percent
Most parochial crowd:
Bulls 29 percent
Brumbies 12 percent
Cats 10.50 percent
Biggest hitter/tackler:
Collins 56 percent
Tuitupou 12.50 percent
Oli Avei 4 percent
Most competitive team-mate:
Ben White 10 percent
Richard Brown 9 percent
Waugh 9 percent
Latham 7 percent
Dirtiest player:
De Wet Barry 14 percent
Bakkies Botha 12.50 percent
Troy Flavell 11 percent
AJ Venter 7 percent
Wooden Spoon:
Cheetahs 26 percent
Reds 22 percent
Cats 15 percent
Leading try scorer for 2006 Super 14:
Rico Gear 16 percent
Bryan Habana 13 percent
Tuqiri 12 percent
Best Australian Player in 2006 Super 14:
Latham 12 percent
Smith 12 percent
Larkham 10 percent
Australian Rookie of the Year in 2006:
Tatafu 31 percent
Digby Ioane 11 percent
Berrick Barnes 7.50 percent
Julian Salvi 7.50 percent
Most boring city to visit during tournament:
Pretoria 26 percent
Canberra 17.50 percent
Jo'Burg 16 percent
Most feared player:
Collins 26 percent
Umaga 10 percent
Best referee:
No refs 19 percent
Matt Goddard 19 percent
Andrew Cole 17 percent
Worst referee:
George Ayoub 21 percent
Tappe Henning 17 percent
Brett Bowden 11 percent
Paul Marks 11 percent

Ruddock resigns from Wales post

Tuesday February 14 2006
Grand Slam winning coach quits Millennium Stadium
Welsh rugby has been shaken to its core by the sudden resignation of coach Mike Ruddock.
http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/editorial/Wales/Mike_Ruddock200.jpg
March 2005: Mike Ruddock's hour of triumph

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Ruddock cited family reasons for his departure, which comes just 11 months after he inspired Wales to their first Grand Slam triumph in 27 years.
Ruddock, 46, has been in charge for 20 Tests, of which Wales have won 13 including the 2005 Grand Slam and a first victory over Australia for 18 years.
"After consultation with my family, I have made the decision to stand down as national coach," said Ruddock.
"On that basis, I have decided to withdraw from contract talks to take Wales to the 2007 World Cup in France. This has been a tough decision to make but I have decided to put my family first.
"What I have found during my two years as coach is that the position is 'more than a job'. That has meant I have spent long periods away from my family, in camp and overseas.
"As a consequence, I felt the intense build-up to next year's World Cup would mean more time away from my family. That is something, on reflection, I would like to avoid."
“I would like to thank the Welsh public, players and fans for all their support during my time as coach. It has been an incredible time.”
His resignation, confirmed by WRU chief Steve Lewis at a rushed press conference on Tuesday evening, is with immediate effect, meaning Wales will be under the guidance of Scott Johnson for the remaining three Six Nations games against Ireland, Italy, and France.
"Mike informed me today that he will not be seeking to extend his contract as Wales national coach," said WRU chief executive Steve Lewis.
"His announcement, and the timing of it, has obviously come as a shock and will be a blow to Welsh rugby as a whole.
"It is public knowledge that we have been in contract negotiations with Mike for some time in order to get an extension through to the 2007 World Cup and beyond.
"We had reached agreement on those terms of the contract, but clearly Mike has indicated reasons for not signing which are beyond those which are capable of negotiation and I understand his position.
"We felt it was in the best interests of the team, and indeed of Mike himself, if he stepped down from preparing the (Wales) team for the remainder of the Six Nations.
"As a result of that I've asked Scott Johnson to lead the preparations for the balance of the Six Nations.
"The reasons for his resignation, or for not wanting to renew his contract, are due to the pressure and commitments of doing the job - Mike has a young family."
But whether Johnson continues beyond this season is up in the air. The WRU are desperate to keep him on board, but Johnson has pressing family matters in his native Australia.
He has been heavily linked with a role in the Wallabies' coaching set-up and, when asked about the situation on Monday, it appeared there was little the WRU could do to help.
"I would love to stay if I could, but it is a family decision," said Johnson.
"I can tell you categorically that the Welsh Rugby Union have done everything in their power to keep me and they have been the fairest employer I have ever had.
"I know they would do anything for me [to stay] but the reality is there are other things."
Speculation is rife that player power is the reason behind Ruddock's departure, with unrest reported among the players over Ruddock's coaching methods.
The players and Ruddock were involved in a bizarre row last week, when Ruddock was forced to stage a press conference on his own while the players staged a sit-in protest at the presence of the BBC journalist who had helped Gavin Henson to air controversial views in his autobiography last year.
Ruddock has also held out on signing a new contract to take him through to the World Cup in France for several months, and a disagreement over this has also been cited as a possible reason, particularly given the sudden nature of the departure.
Ruddock's final act as Wales coach was to insist that the Scarlets did not play their international players for the Powergen Cup semi-final on March 4, a day which falls in between Wales's trip to Ireland and the home match against Italy.
Ruddock succeeded Steve Hansen in March 2004, though he did not apply for the job and was invited to make a presentation by the WRU by way of application.
Prior to that he had had stints at Blaina, Cross Keys, Bective Rangers and Swansea - where he steered his team to two league successes, a Welsh Cup win, and a victory over Australia in 1992 - Leinster, Ireland 'A', Ebbw Vale, and the Dragons.
He inherited a side on the up but took them forward. With Gareth Thomas as captain, Ruddock encouraged them to play open, attacking rugby and it brought great success.
After narrow defeats to Australia and South Africa in November 2004, Wales finally picked up a major scalp with an 11-9 win over England.
That victory, secured by Gavin Henson's long-range penalty, kick-started their Grand Slam campaign which included a stunning 24-18 comeback win in Paris.
The Grand Slam was secured with a victory over Ireland at the Millennium Stadium and Ruddock was awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours for services to Welsh rugby.
The progress of the team was halted in 2005 by the injuries suffered by key members of his team during the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. However, Ruddock still steered a patched-up team to a first victory over Australia in eighteen years in November 2005.
"It's stunning news," said former captain Ieuan Evans.
"They say a week is a long time in politics but it is a very long time in Welsh rugby.
"I have known Welsh coaches come and go before but never in the middle of a Six Nations Championship.
"It's amazing this is happening 12 days before we take on Ireland in Dublin."
Evans went on to credit the role that Ruddock has played in the revival of Welsh rugby.
"He has empowered the players, which is a big step - the foundation was laid by Steve Hansen to get the basics right, but Mike Ruddock has given them the freedom to express themselves.
"But last season Wales definitely also improved in the tight, so Mike must take credit for that.
"Things move on very quickly in sport and you never know what is around the corner - and we certainly didn't know what was around this corner!
“Its strange and it’s baffling that it is now. We are not quite sure of the reasons behind it.
“Was anyone unhappy? Was he unhappy? Was the union unhappy about something that has happened?
“We are not sure about the issues behind this and obviously there are issues behind this.”
With skills coach Scott Johnson set to return to Australia at the end of this Six Nations, it would seem that after a miraculous turnaround in fortunes in 2005, the WRU's run of success has come to an abrupt end.

TiGeR

02-18-2006, 06:21 PM

Rocky's cooking
Chris Whitaker has heard from former NSW teammate Nathan Grey in Japan who said he'd caught wind of the "handbags" the Waratahs halfback threw in last weekend's match against Queensland. Whitaker emerged unscathed, unlike Phil Waugh, whose face was healing slowly this week after his match-long stoush with opposite David Croft left both bleeding. Apparently the two breakaways called it off when one said to the other: "We're the two ugliest blokes out here already, what are we doing messing each other up even more?" And NSW teammates are adamant, despite Rocky Elsom's insistence it is a tall tale, that the big man mimicked a rock and roll wrestler after scoring his match-winning try by sniffing the air and then screaming at the Reds: "Hey Queensland, can you smell what the Rock is cooking?" :smiley36:

"There's something fundamentally wrong with rugby when you and I can sit watching a game and you ask: 'What's that penalty for?' And I say: 'It's white No.6 coming in from the side.' Then you say: 'What about red No.6? He's doing exactly the same'." Paddy O'Brien, the International Rugby Board's referees' manager, getting to the real problem with the game - it's too bewildering. ...:smiley3:

Shayne

02-21-2006, 12:20 AM

Pumas get South African vote
Monday February 20 2006
SARU official expresses support for Argentina to enter Tri-Nations

The deputy Chief Executive of SARU, Mveleli Ncula, has expressed support for Argentina's inclusion in the Tri-Nations rugby tournament.
http://www.rugby365.com/mediastore/images/editorial/Argentina/felipe_contepomi_arg_200x160.jpg Ncula is reported to have met the Argentinian ambassador to South Africa at a function at the weekend, and insisted that should Argentina apply for inclusion, South Africa would back them
"If the idea of including the Pumas ever reached the SANZAR [South Africa New Zealand and Australian Rugby] boardroom we would offer our support at those discussions," said Ncula.
"But at this stage that possibility is at least five years away."
The three participating nations - South Africa, Australia and New Zealand - recently signed a deal keeping the tournament as it is until the end of 2009, but the Argentinian ambassador said his country would keep up the campaign for inclusion.
"We belong in a tournament in the southern hemisphere and not in an expanded Six Nations," said ambassador Carlos Sersale di Cerisano.
Springbok coach Jake White also said he would welcome the inclusion of the Pumas.
"I think it would add a new dimension to the tournament and perhaps refresh it," White said.
"Many people have been calling for a return to longer tours instead of a Tri-nations, but perhaps the inclusion of Argentina would be another option.
"It would mean vast travelling distances, which might help us as New Zealand and Australia would have to travel more than they currently do.
"Argentina have improved their player base tremendously through the French league, and the Tri-nations would give them a chance to regularly play as a national team and further improve their rugby."

TiGeR

02-22-2006, 05:07 PM

:smiley2: Southern hemisphere tournament with Pumas- AWESOME!:smiley20: Reps up for grabs for best name for an expanded tri nations! :smiley32:

spuff

02-22-2006, 10:04 PM

pusanzarmas...

TiGeR

02-23-2006, 10:41 AM

:smiley36: :smiley36: :smiley36: :smiley36: damn i wet myself laughing...rep for you for the humour!

Moses

02-23-2006, 12:04 PM

well, the quad-nations comes to mind immediately ;)

how about the John Eales Cup, or the McCaw Masters...

TiGeR

02-24-2006, 02:50 PM

:smiley2:

biffon

02-24-2006, 11:25 PM

how about the southern cross four nations championship
four stars four nations...

TiGeR

02-25-2006, 05:20 PM

NICE! A rep for YOU! Keep 'em coming guys!

spuff

02-25-2006, 11:02 PM

Scotland Do it Again!!

GREAT give to the Poms. Oh, and the Bulls ravaged the tahs... hehehe

FerrariSucks

02-25-2006, 11:20 PM

England did not play well at all, cant believe the amount of knock ons infront of goal.

biffon

02-25-2006, 11:26 PM

italy did well to get 12 points from france...
Im thinking theyre going to be a force to reckon with in years to come...

FerrariSucks

02-25-2006, 11:30 PM

I enjoyed the France-Italy game more than Eng-Scotland

TiGeR

02-26-2006, 09:34 AM

6 nations threw up a few surprises- well done Scotland (played Flower of Scotland on my home theatre system at final whistle & had goosebumps EVERYWHERE!) :smiley32: thought the Ites did well against the frogs...Wales & Ireland are an embarrassment at the mo'....but then again Northern hemisphere rugby is a load of gobshyte anyway...

TiGeR

03-11-2006, 06:33 AM

some enthralling encounters today in the 6 nations...Italy could pick up a first win of the 2006 editionof 6N over a SHOCKING Welsh team ravaged by injuries, poor form & off field dramas (head coach quit, asst coach who has taken over is an aussie & being targetted to go back home & be asst @ the wallabies, players embroiled in money disputes with WRU...) England face an unpredictable France in Paris, with recent form suggesting both teams could either play some good ball & give the fans something to write home about...or the lillywhites will continue to be the most boring team in the world...i'll go with les bleus by 5 points...Ireland Scotland should produce a few fireworks, with the scots going in as favourites after their famous win in Edinbrough 2 wks ago... but can they stand up AGAIN!?...i think the irish will battle with their injuries so backing scotland the brave on this one...

biffon

03-11-2006, 06:42 AM

time to revise GF winners for the six nations i think

scotland are looking like pulling of an unlikely upset here....

biffon

03-11-2006, 06:43 AM

damn bets are closed - at least i have 20 on them to take it out..haha

TiGeR

03-11-2006, 06:51 AM

good luck with that! :smiley20: just hope the frogs blow the poms away! :smiley32:

biffon

03-11-2006, 06:59 AM

hey tiger - I still cant contact Jonno Ewing... do you know anyone else that might know how to get hold of him. Angus Ewing, Ryan Bekker, Karl Mudzamba?

TiGeR

03-13-2006, 04:18 PM

eml Bruce Hobson- hobson@zol.co.zw he should be able to help...
Geez the frogs were good this w/end this w/end! Wales were dismal & the Ites were let down by inexperience & lack of quality players in their 18 all draw...Scotland..well, when the going got tough...the Scots didnt stand up to the plate... bleedin EEJUTS! So now any one of FOUR teams can win the 6 nations (i have to say now that France are the front runners, followed by England, then Ireland, THEN Scotland...the Taffs & Ites can forget it for 2006...)

TiGeR

03-13-2006, 04:27 PM

http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/country/eng_header.gifhttp://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/graphics/spacer.gifEngland
News (http://www.planetrugby.com/Teams/England/index.shtml) | Profile (http://www.planetrugby.com/Teams/England/Profile/index.shtml) | Anthem (http://www.planetrugby.com/Teams/England/Anthem/index.shtml) http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/graphics/spacer.gif

Corry and Robinson left bemused

Sunday March 12 2006
Coach and captain lost for words and England are routed
England skipper Martin Corry said his side were made to pay for their dreadful start as they suffered a heavy 31-6 defeat to France in the Six Nations at Stade de France on Sunday.
http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/editorial/England/Martin_Corry_conversion200.jpg
Defeat: Corry looks on as Yachvili converts France's second try

In a post-match interview with the BBC, Corry took several seconds to answer the question 'what went wrong?' before admitting that he did not really know.
"The first try was a mix-up, they happen," he said, after a deep breath.
"They got a good start but at some points all we had to do was keep hold of the ball and show composure. We didn't do that and the first 20 minutes were shocking.
"It was poor. There were glimpses in the second 20 minutes of first half, the scrum started to get a little bit of ball and we started to find a few holes.
"It wasn't all doom and gloom and the first 20 minutes was a terrible start for us and we just never really recovered."
France's three tries came from a dropped high ball, a fluffed attempt to dive on a loose ball, and an intercept, and those mistakes, along with the three first-half penalties, were punished mercilessly by the French.
"There were a lot of mistakes and we all have to put our hands up," continued Corry.
"We've gone out and tried to play, and we've played poorly, there's nothing else to say really.
"It's a huge setback. We said after the Scotland defeat we needed to come out, come to Paris and put in a good performance to forget the Scotland game and unfortunately we haven't done that. Now the pressure is going to pile on us, more from within than from anywhere else.
"There is a short turnaround before we play Ireland to give us another chance to show what we can do."
England coach Andy Robinson was a little more succinct in his appraisal of his team's performance, answering the what-went-wrong question with: "We were awful. That's it."
But despite his unforgiving assessment, Robinson refused to throw in the championship towel.
"We started poorly and then gave away 16 points and never got in the game. Even at 16-6 we thought we were back in the game, at no stage did we put any pressure on the French, and that's what you get," he said with a forlorn smile.
"We never got going. Whenever we tried to play we knocked the ball on and turned the ball over, and the tries they scored all came from broken field situations. That's the frustrating part, and then when we're attacking we knock the ball on.
"We are going to take stock. We have still got a chance to win this championship, even though it's very slim. We've got a very tough game against Ireland and we have to respond."

Shayne

03-14-2006, 08:10 PM

The 6 nations is a 4 way race now isnt it?

TiGeR

03-14-2006, 08:28 PM

So now any one of FOUR teams can win the 6 nations (i have to say now that France are the front runners, followed by England, then Ireland, THEN Scotland...the Taffs & Ites can forget it for 2006...)

YUP!...gonna be a cluster f:smiley35: k @ the business end of the tournament..

biffon

03-15-2006, 03:14 AM

two games to go... could go any way.... my money is on the french & maybe england has an outside chance.... and if i had $10 id put it on scotland as the surprise package this year and they are the ones id go for if it werent for their shady recent past....

TiGeR

03-16-2006, 08:57 PM

The smart money is on France, with an avenging England just behind...Ireland wiith an outside chance...

Flatley retires from all rugby

Thursday March 16 2006
Reds star still suffering blurred vision
Queensland Rugby have announced that veteran Wallaby and Reds playmaker Elton Flatley will retire from all rugby, effective immediately, due to continued problems blurred vision.
http://www.planet-rugby.com/mediastore/images/rugby365/Super_12/elton_flatley_reds_run_200.jpg
Retired: Elton Flatley

The 28-year-old suffered a head injury last year which kept him out for most of the season, but with medical staff monitoring his condition, he was hopeful of a successful return this year.
Following the Super 14 match against the Western Force last Saturday, medical staff were made aware that Flatley was still suffering blurred vision. Team doctor, Dr Richard Brown, and Flatley met earlier this week and agreed that it would be in his best interests to retire.
Queensland Rugby boss Theo Psaros said it was a sad day, but the right decision.
"It's a great shame for Queensland and Australia that Elton is retiring today, but his health and welfare should come first," said Psaros.
"Elton is giving up the game he loves but it's the right decision."
The decision has not been an easy one but Flatley said the time was right.
"It was a very emotional decision but one that has been made not only in the best interests of Queensland Rugby, but also for myself and my family," he said.
"I would like to thank all the medical staff at Queensland Rugby and the ARU for their wonderful support over the years.
"I'd also like to thank everyone I've been involved with in rugby. I've had a wonderful time playing but it's time to move on.
"I look forward to spending time with my wife Kahli and my children Eva and Josh, and to pursuing a career in business."
Flatley played 38 tests for the Wallabies at centre and flyhalf and played over 100 games for Queensland.
One of Flatley's finest moments came in the 2003 World Cup final against England when he kicked a penalty in the dying minutes to level the scores and take the match into extra time.
He also set a world record for the fastest Test try when he crossed after just 18 seconds in a 2003 Rugby World Cup match against Romania.
Elton Flatley - Career History:
Elton Flatley has had an illustrious rugby career spanning a decade. Signed as a schoolboy straight out of Nudgee College into the professional senior ranks, he went on achieve many heights.
Elton made his Reds debut in 1996 aged just 18, becoming the youngest player to do so since Michael Lynagh in 1982, and quickly stepped up to the national team in the following year.
He became the youngest player to reach 100 caps for Queensland when he led the team out against the Sharks in Durban in April 2004.
A star of the Wallabies World Cup campaign, Elton's ice-cool kicking in the Final won him thousands of new admirers as he landed huge pressure penalties to keep Australia in the match.
Elton also scored the third fastest Super 12 try of all time (amazingly behind two other Reds players Latham & Kefu) when he pounced after just 26 seconds of the opening game against the Hurricanes at Ballymore.
He is currently completing his Diploma in Financial Planning through the Securities Institute.

Aboriginal

03-17-2006, 05:37 PM

Chris Latham is shot too! Down go the Reds glug glug!

biffon

03-17-2006, 10:54 PM

well really they cant get lower than the force right now as theyve already beaten them haha!!

TiGeR

03-20-2006, 05:48 PM

How poor were the poms!? :smiley36: Chuffed for Ireland & impressed with the development of the Ites...Scotland too inconsistant but some development there too...Wales were disappointing (injuries notwithstanding) & France...:smiley32: :smiley3: ..GOOD luck to the rest of us next yr if they keep building as they are with the biggest flag of them all up for grabs in their own backyard...

TiGeR

03-24-2006, 06:35 AM

Johnson calls for Woodward returnhttp://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/images/clear.gif

Thursday, March 23, 2006 :smiley11: :smiley19: :smiley35:
Former England captain Martin Johnson believes it is time to replace Andy Robinson with World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward.
After suffering their third defeat of the Six Nations campaign against Ireland on Saturday the world champions finished a disappointing fourth in the tournament and current coach Andy Robinson has been taking the flak.
The Daily Mail said earlier this week the RFU has already drawn up a new management structure for the world champions with Woodward at the top.
Now Johnson, who won the World Cup under Woodward when Jonny Wilkinson's late drop kick secured victory over hosts Australia in 2003, has joined the call to bring Woodward back.
"The RFU either want to fix it or they don't. Clive is the man," Johnson said

"Perhaps he's not everyone's cup of tea but that is part of the job. If you go for the status quo nothing gets done."
Woodward, who was England coach from September 1997 to September 2004, left the rugby world behind 18 months ago to join Southampton as director of football.
England's fortunes have dipped dramatically since and the team have struggled to find a coherent game-plan under the Robinson regime.
Speculation over his possible return to the England set-up in some capacity has been rife, but Woodward says he has received no approach and is happy with his job at Southampton.
However Johnson said Woodward is the only choice if England wanted to implement change.
"He sees the bigger picture and England has to be the bigger picture. He's the only coach England have really had in the professional era," said Johnson, who is now retired.
"The best thing the RFU did was back Clive after the 1999 World Cup and give him time. He was the right man then and would be the right man now.
"I would really like to see him back," Johnson added. "Who else is qualified to do it?"
Another possible candidate, Newcastle boss Rob Andrew, has meanwhile ruled himself out of the running.
Robinson is set to face plenty of fresh probing ahead of England's two-Test tour of Australia, with just 18 months until the 2007 World Cup in France.
"People have got lots of opinions and when you're losing those opinions come out even more," Robinson said.
"Everybody will be reviewed, including myself, and we'll look at how we can move forward. I'll be meeting with Francis Baron (RFU chief executive) to discuss everything, but I'm not expecting to be going

biffon

03-24-2006, 07:46 AM

and what do you think about that tiger?

TiGeR

03-26-2006, 06:28 PM

:smiley11: ....well, for the sake of World rugby & for the progression of the Home nations' game, it would be good to have a strong England & Lord Bald at the moment is certainly a proven operator there...BUT i also feel they have the players & coaches (including Robbo) who can do the business- they must stop trying to be like SH with big backs & go for their more skillful, creative players like Austin Healey...as boring as it is to watch, they are VERY good at playing the arm wrestle in the forwards ("ball under the shirt, big arms big legs, drive the ball up son") so as much as i HATE to say this :smiley35: i would advocate that they give up on trying to be expansive & stick with a proven formula...bludgeon & bore the rest of the world into submission....

Aboriginal

03-28-2006, 02:05 AM

Hmm... I like the touch judge acting for offside. Not so sure about collapsing mauls though!

Trialling laws mortals can understand
By Spiro Zavos
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 Print this article
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The most important rugby match played over the weekend was at Stellenbosch University between two "guinea pig" teams of students playing under new rules - the Stellenbosch Laws - devised under the auspices of the IRB by Rod Macqueen (coach of the 1999 World Cup Wallabies), Pierre Villepreux (France), Richie Dixon (Scotland) and Ian McIntosh (South Africa).
The experiment is being managed by Paddy O'Brien (NZ), a former Test referee and now the IRB's referees manager. The brief for the group was to devise a simpler, shorter and more effective set of laws while retaining the essential features of rugby. The group also wants to quicken up the game and take the subjectiveness out of referees' decision making.
Danie Craven, the most powerful rugby administrator from the 1950s through to the 1970s, once told me the laws of rugby were wrong because they were too complicated and too long. He used teams of students at Stellenbosch to test out his own theories. So it is appropriate that the Stellenbosch Laws should be trialled at his university.
The main Stellenbosch Laws are: 1. At the breakdown, players can use their hands at all times. They must come into the breakdown "through the gate". No foul play is allowed. Otherwise, anything goes. The side that takes the ball into the breakdown and can't release it is penalised.
2. Either side can use as many players as they like in the lineout, at any time, providing they fit inside the 15-metre line.

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3. If the ball is passed or run back into the 22 and then kicked out, the lineout is taken from where the kick was made.
4. Long-arm penalties are to be given only for offside and foul play. All other penalties are short-arm penalties (free kicks).
5. The maul can be collapsed by defending sides.
6. Touch judges are to become "flag referees" with a primary responsibility, like a football touch judge, of policing the offside lines.
I had the chance last week of watching videos with Rod Macqueen of incidents from the trial matches at Stellenbosch. After the players became accustomed to the new laws - and, just as importantly, to the opportunities they open up - play became very lively. Continuity flourished. The players learnt to stop tucking the ball under their body (the Bob Dwyer ploy) when they were tackled. Instead, they started placing it well back from the tackle.
The most contentious issue is the use of hands in the ruck. The proposed law is simpler, taking about 30 laws out of the rule book. It allows referees to concentrate on the essential issues, offside and foul play.
Many gurus have called for this over the years. I saw a game at TG Milner field more than 20 years ago where laws devised by Scott Johnson, the new Wallabies backs coach, were played. Handling in the ruck was one of about a dozen new rules Johnson proposed. My memory is that the rucks were cleared more effectively than they are now.
After the Stellenbosch Laws have been trialled in a 20-match competition, a review will be presented to the IRB with the expectation that new, simplified laws will be put into play in 2008.
The ARU is thinking of using the Stellenbosch Laws in September's inaugural Australian Provincial Championship tournament. It should. Virtually every innovation to make rugby open, athletic and clever has come from the southern hemisphere. The Stellenbosch Laws follow this proud tradition.

biffon

03-28-2006, 02:45 AM

i also agree collapsing a maul is not a good idea as it is dangerous and the saftey of players should be paramount!

i like hands in the ruck rule, for one it'll stop the stomping that seems to appear when someone does it illegally, it never looks nice having the half back grinding some poor locks fingers into the ground!:smiley3: :smiley18:

TiGeR

03-28-2006, 11:20 AM

RE: The proposed new laws-
1.The one about collapsing mauls becoming legal is :smiley35: !!! The dangers to players are ENORMOUS & from a coaching perspective my concern is for the players' safety...it also takes away the advantage of a team with well organised/ big forwards...

2. Hands in the ruck becoming legal is ok as long as it is policed- again some danger to players, as well as making the breakdown potentially slower as defenders can now legally slow your ball down & reorganise their defensive lines...

3. The penalties & free kicks law change will be great as it will make teams like England & the Blue Bulls who rely on exerting pressure up front & & Jonny Wilkinson/Charlie Hodgson or Derick Hougaard to bang over goals have to be creative...

4. The lineout law is ok i guess...except again it takes away the contest & lessens the skills sets of players...will we ever see another 2/ 4 man lineout again?

5. While it may encourage enterprise, the law change re: passing or running into the 22 is flawed in one respect (IMHO!): we will see more kicking just outside the 22 so that sides can force lineouts by exerting pressure on the kick & forcing players to run/ pass back into the 22...which is fine if you are using the tactic as a part of your attacking armoury, but when you play England or the Blue Bulls...BORING for spectators!

6. Arent TJs supposed to be doing that ANYWAY?!?!?!

TiGeR

04-02-2006, 07:30 AM

French and Italians join the Lions

Saturday April 01 2006
Sweeping changes to the famous touring side
It has been announced that French and Italian player will be eligible for selection on all future Lions tours - a move that could see the likes of Yannick Jauzion and Mirco Bergamasco linking up with British and Irish players on the 2009 tour to South Africa.
http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/editorial/Other/Euro_Lions_crest_SA09_200.bmp
Starry Dawn: The crest of the newly formed 'European Lions'

The surprise move comes in the wake of the publication of a review of the ill-fated tour of New Zealand in 2005, during which the British & Irish Lions suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to the All Blacks in the Test series.
The famous touring side has always been the preserve of the players of the four Home Unions only - England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales - and the inclusion of French and Italian players is the single biggest change to the team's format since its formation in the late nineteenth century.
The inception of the 'European Lions' - as they will come to be called - promises to "breathe new life" into one of the sporting world's most treasured institutions and "will extend the allure of rugby to continental Europe".
Former Scotland and Lions centre Archibald Ferguson has been named chairman of the newly formed European Lions Committee (ELC) and will liaise with the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) and French Rugby Federation (FFR) ahead of the tour to South Africa.
"This is an exciting day in the proud history of the Lions," Ferguson told a media gathering in Parfosillo, Italy.
"To be invited to tour with the Lions is the highest accolade a player can receive and we see no reason why this honour should be restricted to players of British or Irish desent.
"The decision to widen the selectorial net will breathe new life into proceedings and is a move designed to safeguard the future of this fabled institution.
"The birth of the European Lions will extend the allure of rugby to continental Europe and we are delighted that the French and Italians have accepted our invitation.
"The sport of rugby is the winner today, and we look forward to pitting Europe's finest players against the Springboks in 2009."
Whilst the lion will remain, Ferguson revealed that the team's traditional strip - red jerseys, white shorts, blue socks and green stocking tops to represent each of the four Home Unions - will be altered in order to incorporated the blues of both France and Italy.
Ferguson also revealed that the side's new crest will feature the 12 stars of the European Union in place of the Scottish thistle, Irish shamrock, English rose and the three feathers of Wales.
"We anticipate that many fans will fear the changes we have made, but we should not be afraid of change," said Ferguson.
"As England proved at the Rugby World Cup in 2003, success stems directly from fresh ideas, bold moves and new goals."
The 2005 Lions tour came under fire from the media due to the perceived under-representation of Scots on the side - just three out of an initial squad of 44 tourists.
Introducing a larger pool of talent means that a player's chances of being selected are diminished, but Ferguson was adamant that all six nationalities could be represented in the XV that will tackle the Boks in the first Test of the 2009 tour.
"One has only to look at the standard of the 2006 Six Nations to see that each of the six unions boasts players of world-class ability," he said.
"But I doubt that any player worth his salt would be anxious [about the changes] - they will see selection as an even greater challenge.
"We have merely raised the bar, thereby heightened the honour associated with being selected for the Lions."

Kirsty

04-24-2006, 06:26 PM

This is one of the best Nike and or Rugby commercials I have seen in a long time. I thought you guys would enjoy. And might earn me some reputation points. Geez I am lagging behind in those.
http://www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=3516

TiGeR

04-24-2006, 08:47 PM

You ROCK Kiks! Will DEFO send you a rep roomie! x x x

biffon

04-24-2006, 11:30 PM

that was great im so sick of seeing nike soccer adverts its about time they did a rugby one, but it looks quite old, has d'laglio (sp), Timmy horan in it, they need to do a new one!
pity the quality sucked a bit.too.. but great find!! rep for that

TiGeR

05-29-2006, 02:37 PM

Jonny calls for Clive for England

Monday May 29 2006
Wilkinson wants his former mentor as England's main man
Jonny Wilkinson has called for Sir Clive Woodward to be appointed as England's elite performance director.
http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/editorial/England/Jonny_Wilkinson_scream200.jpg
Jonny WIlkinson: Shouting for Clive Woodward's re-instatement

The Rugby World Cup-winning coach is working as performance director at Coca-Cola Championship soccer side Southampton but Wilkinson - whose drop goal won the World Cup under Woodward - believes Woodward should be brought back into the Rugby Football Union fold.
"It is rare for me to go public with an opinion on an issue as political as this," Wilkinson told the Times.
"But I am happy on this occasion to urge the RFU to go for Sir Clive Woodward."
Following disappointing results, the RFU are restructuring the management of the England team around Woodward's successor Andy Robinson.
"I believe he has the skills to do the job well, indeed his particular strengths from his time as England coach are the very credentials that would transfer into his new role," contonued Wilkinson
"Where Clive was so good was his foresight and his ability to understand the next move forward.
"If he was allowed to plan again for England, I believe we could move back to where we were, half a step ahead of the game instead of half a step behind."

izabokkeman

05-29-2006, 07:54 PM

I dunno watched england barbarians yesterday seems that Robinson has found his development squad, i think wilko is just worried about his spot as no 10 for england, dont think he has what it takes nemore.

TiGeR

05-29-2006, 09:13 PM

Apart from a few ex Wallabies & ABs, one or two frenchies, that Baabaas side was KUK!

Shayne

05-29-2006, 10:41 PM

Some good up and coming matches. Boks vs the rest of the world and AB's vs Ireland. Not forgetting Tri Nations people!

biffon

05-30-2006, 02:07 AM

yeah looking forward to the Aussie -Ireland? test in Perth - will get tickets for it

TiGeR

06-04-2006, 03:22 PM

was at ellis park y/day for boks vs world xv....WHAT A CROCK!... Thank goodness that was Tappe Henning's last international reffing job! i watched him single handedly stuff up a game of rugby that had SO much potential...what a disgrace of an international refereeing performance...but then again, ALL refs are @#%*$^s anyway!

RustyBear

06-05-2006, 05:04 PM

Babbaaas were kuk because the most internationals have got games coming up, this weekend is the first test of two between Boks and Scots, then the Boks play the French and then the Tri-Nations.

Buschu

06-07-2006, 10:33 PM

I don't think it was all Tappe's fault. He was aggressie with the whistle, but the Bok players have to stand up and admit (like they did that they were s!!***e. Not once, until Pienaar came on, did they even look threatening. At least Bokk fans can take heart in the fact that there were big names missing, so bring on the Scottish game and we'll see what we can do

Aboriginal

06-08-2006, 02:38 AM

Wallabies Vs Pommes this weekend. Should be a great game. Dammit wish I had time to watch all the internationals that have been played. There is a shit load happening at the moment.

RustyBear

06-12-2006, 12:00 PM

Are we gonna get a betting sheet going for the up and coming Tri-Nations?

TiGeR

06-12-2006, 05:43 PM

Score sheet for 2006 rugby internationals: Northern Hemisphere 0 Southern Hemisphere 4 :smiley32: :smiley20: :smiley36:

ABs werent great but still pulled off a win...but showed REAL tenacity in hangin in & coming through...something from the crusaders & there werent even a lot of them in this AB team..(Graham Henry on a tue night in bed "so...which 22 players out of 39 man AB squad do i pick for THIS w/end?"

Wallabies were poor for first 40 but DAMN those brumbies backs were AWESOME in the 2nd! Thought the Oz pack were good (except at scrum time...) good to see them taking positive steps & starting to look like the oz of old...

Boks skills level & execution were poor but that MONSTER pack of forwards destryed the bravehearts & laid the platform for a win (score a bit flattering to SA as we actually SUCKED on the day!)...but as they say in the classics, "a win is a win"....

Los Pumas snuck in against Wales- didnt see the game so all i can say is "Ariba!" & 4 nil!

biffon

06-13-2006, 04:04 AM

I can only comment on the oz pom game...
very sloppy play from both sides for most of the match - Englands back line looked dangerous but lack of basic ball handling and poor kicking options let them down.

Australia looked rusty for much of the game, and only started throwing accurate passes and sticking them in the second half..
their defence was only troubled once and that try saved by gregan has to be the best ive ever seen!! well done that man!

George Smith is in my humble opinion the best player in rugby right now... his contribution to the game was crucial and those little pivots in the tackle are a delight to watch! Otherwise i was pretty happy with the way they played... they might need a speedster out wide i think.

TiGeR

06-23-2006, 09:28 AM

Well, the Irish showed some intent & passion (as always) & will be desperately disappointed not to have knocked over the ABs as per BODs comments in the press between tests & after. Their game against a new wallaby team this w/end will be a cracker! Thought the wallabies are starting to look good in parts of their game- they have some AWESOME backs, a backrow that is starting to come into its own (Geoge Smith is world class, Rocky Elsom could develop into an international 8 of real distinction & they have an embarrassment of riches at no. 6...

The ABs in BA should have enough fire-power to do the Pumas but i think like the Irish tests they will be taken close, especially as the Pumas are going so well at the moment! We all know about their depth (Gee Graham, what team shall we pick today?) & talent...

The Boks...hmm...playing like shit, Jake is full of shit & SA rugby at the moment is shit! (Sounds like someones been bitten!?) France could be great this w/end & they could be...well, typical of French teams over the yrs- promise much & deliver little!...Here's hoping they smack the boks & get us thinking properly again!...how can Jake even CONTEMPLATE not having a genuine fetcher for the trinations!? ("We need to have 15 fetchers" Jake White...what BULLSHIT is that?)

How hot are the SA U21s!? The demo job they put on NZ in 2nd half of the semi was AWESOME!

Shayne

06-23-2006, 09:32 AM

The France / Boks U21 game is one of the best games of rugby i have seen in a very long time. Boks U21 are absolutely amazing!

RustyBear

06-23-2006, 03:59 PM

i didnt see that game but are they really that good?

TiGeR

06-23-2006, 04:04 PM

Wait until you see the game they beat the baby blacks in mate...down 13-17 at half time they won 40-21! A SPAN of Natal U21s in the backs...including Bradley Barritt (whose old man played for Rhodesia & Zim in the late 70s, early 80s) Lookin forward to the big games this w/end!...
ABs Vs Pumas- BA
Wallabies Vs Ireland- Perth
Boks Vs France- Capetown
U21 final on Sunday- France Vs SA & 3rd/4th play off Aus Vs NZ
:smiley20: :smiley32: :smiley36:

TiGeR

06-25-2006, 05:55 PM

The French were good, the Boks were SHYTE!
The ABS were average, the Pumas good, but not enough!
The Wallabies were good in fits & starts, the Irish good to start, but ran out of steam.
the NZ Vs Aus U21 game was a RIPPER- NZ 39 Aus 36...
Hope the final is as good, if not better...

Shayne

06-26-2006, 07:56 AM

The final was a huge disappointment. Whats with these northern sides winning by not scoring a try? Baby boks, the defending champs only had themselves to blame.

Aboriginal

06-26-2006, 09:01 AM

Man the Wallabies/ Ireland game was so yawn! Scrappy/stop start. I literally fell asleep (Ok I was recovering from night shifts) Rocky Elsom, is he a Clingon? He sure is a bonehead and was lucky not to be sin binned on mre than one occasion for off the ball offences and spoiling rugby! The Irish just wilted in the end. As a back I hate to see %4#ing props break through the line for one and then run 50m to score! That was hopeless defence by argueably one of the best centre couplings in the world!

Roll on the tri nations. SA is getting a lot more depth of players now. They will be more of a force to fear in 5yrs. As for the Haka and insulting it. My god AB's wind your necks in! Rugby is a psychological game as well as physical. If a team can put you off your game plan by throwing grass in the wind then you really should take a long hard look at yourself in a mirror large enough for your ego! Uh Duh. If your thinking of smashing someone for insulting you then they have alreay one as you will not be concentrating on the game. I reckon there should be more altercations!

What happened to SA and the zulu warriors that sporadically made a kind of equivalent but less intimidating show?

TiGeR

07-01-2006, 07:20 PM

Zulu warrior wa Corne's idea- when he retired, the idea retired with him...sadly, the flatheads were not happy about Zulu warriors as it wasnt in keeping with the fact that rugger is an Afrikaaner sport...blah...THANK goodness for guys like Riaan Oberholzer!

Shayne

07-04-2006, 10:36 PM

Saffas can be so one minded its frightening..... pisses me off.

I loved those Zulu dudes. Would love it even more if one of them accidentally let one of those spears go and got Doug Howlett right in the nuts.

TiGeR

07-21-2006, 11:38 AM

Sailor gets two years for cocaine

Friday July 21 2006
ARU terminates Wendell Sailor's contract
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has terminated Wendell Sailor's contract after he was found guilty by an independent judicial committee of taking a prohibited substance, cocaine. The Wallaby wing has also been suspended from the game for two years.
http://www.planetrugby.com/mediastore/images/rugby365/aus/wendell_sialor_bling_200.jpg
Guilty: Wendell Sailor

The announcement, made by the ARU on Friday, confirms reports earlier this week that a secret judicial hearing had been held by the ARU.
The two-year ban means Sthe 32-year-old's career as a rugby player has now almost certainly come to and end. The 13-man route is also closed to the former Rugby League star - RL acknowledges bans handed down by Union and vice-versa.
The independent judicial committee, comprising John Gleeson QC (chairman), Peter Garling SC and Dr Jeffrey Steinweg, informed Wendell Sailor and the ARU of its decision Friday.
Until Friday the ARU has been legally unable to comment on Sailor's case because of strict confidentiality protocols in the ARU's anti-doping laws.
However with the judicial committee's decision now handed down, ARU Managing Director and CEO Gary Flowers has commented for the first time.
"Wendell Sailor's behaviour has been extremely disappointing and we have no hesitation in terminating his contract," he said.
"Australian rugby condemns the use of performance enhancing drugs and doping practices in sport.
"The use of any illegal drug is contrary to the ethical concepts of sportsmanship, fair play, good medical practice and is potentially harmful to the health of the individual.
"We also reject the arguments of those who claim we have no right to be testing for so-called 'recreational drugs'.
"There is no such thing as recreational drugs, these drugs are illegal, they are harmful to the people using them and they are not acceptable for use by our sportsmen and women.
"Australian Rugby will not accept people in their playing ranks who are not good role models for the children of Australia.
"Wendell Sailor has tested positive to a metabolite of cocaine which is a prohibited substance under the WADA code.
"His actions have been nothing short of irresponsible. He already had a track record for poor behaviour which had seen him called in front of ARU and Wallaby team Disciplinary Committees on several previous occasions."
Sailor was sent home from South Africa by the Waratahs for an indiscretion at a nightclub earlier this year. He fronted an ARU disciplinary tribunal at that time as well and was suspended from playing.
The wing then tested positive for cocaine after the Waratahs' Super 14 match against the Brumbies on April 16.
"On the field, Wendell has been a great competitor with an outstanding work ethic, and his 37 Test caps are a great achievement. He has also been involved in charity and community work," continued Flowers.
"However he has now let himself down, as well as letting down his NSW Waratah team mates and Australian fans.
"The only legitimate use of drugs in sport is under the supervision of a physician for a clinically justified purpose.
"Our anti-doping laws are made very clear to every sportsman and woman signing on with Australian Rugby Union.
"Every player has this section of their contract explained to them, the players sign their contracts which include the provisions about illegal drug use and the likely sanctions resulting from their use.
"Our By-Laws allow for an appeal process but at this stage I am pleased to say that we can put this distraction behind us. It has taken up a lot of time, time we would prefer to spend growing the game in the community, with the kids and the clubs, and promoting our Test matches."
The Australian Rugby Union, as part of the International Rugby Board (IRB), is a signatory to the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) and its determination of prohibited substances.
The Australian Government and its Australian Sports Commission have also adopted the WADA code and the ARU uses the Government's Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency (ASADA) as its approved testing agency.
"The ARU has worked very closely with ASADA throughout this matter to ensure that its high standards have been fully met at all times," said Flowers.
"ASADA was fully satisfied that the ARU's judicial process was sufficiently robust and rigorous and that it was the appropriate forum to hear this matter."

TiGeR

08-16-2006, 06:53 AM

Jerry Collins
15/08/2006

http://www.allblacks.com/media/11482EE2-D07F-5D68-70F2D8449B31062B.jpg

Dear Diary, the weather’s been pretty sunny during the day but it’s still been on the cold side, which are good conditions to train in. There’s been a little bit of rain but that’s to be expected in Auckland.

I guess I’m more of a warm weather person than cold, I’d rather play in 30 degrees than two degrees. The hottest I’ve ever played in was a game in Samoa when it was 38 degrees with about 99 per cent humidity.

I’m rooming with Richie here in Auckland. People don’t realise how funny he is. People just see the serious side of him on TV but he knows how to relax and have a laugh as well.

Today was probably one of the biggest days in camp and we had a long meeting in the morning before training. We went over all the moves and because we haven’t been together for two weeks we needed to get back into the groove. It was more revision than anything.

http://www.allblacks.com/media/11491412-B262-D6FF-D110E721BF1DC02D.jpg
Roommates: Richie and JC - allblacks.com

We all have notebooks and write down key points and do homework later; I’d say Rodder’s (Rodney So'oialo (http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=playerProfile&playerID=1135)) and Ice (Isaia Toeava (http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=playerProfile&playerID=1360)) probably have the worst memories in the team, and Sam (Tuitupou (http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=playerProfile&playerID=544)) has the best one – and for a guy who can’t spell properly he has a great memory and his diagrams are pretty good.

After the 9am meeting it was off to training. It rained hard during the morning but by the time we arrived at the ground the weather had cleared up. We did a bit of team work and some scrums to get the body back into it.

I’ve played a lot of rugby in the last few weeks – four games in about two weeks but the body feels good. I never need an excuse to play for Norths and I had the bonus last weekend of beating Poneke 25-12 to win the Wellington club rugby final.

We got back from training at about 1:30pm and had a bite to eat. Then we had a leadership meeting and I went to the gym for an hour and a half.

Players in my position at loose forward need to take a bit more time in the gym but do more rehab than pre-season pumping iron time. During the year it’s more maintenance work and if you get a bit stronger or the guns (biceps) a bit bigger then that’s a bonus.

http://www.allblacks.com/media/1147B9D1-E357-72B8-77FFEC65382B71CA.jpg
JC and the Guns - allblacks.com

Our trainer Graham Lowe tells me I’ve got the biggest guns in the team, I think the biggest I’ve had them is 52cm – that’s when I broke my leg in 2002 and was walking on my hands. Heaps of guys are trying to take the title and Neh’s (Neemia Tialata (http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=playerProfile&playerID=576)) getting close.

Neh has the chest, back and definitely the legs but he doesn’t have the arms, and the lady’s don’t care about the legs and back – they like the guns.

We had another forwards meeting at 4pm and then had our Philips Tri Nations team photo before dinner; I’m lucky I can eat what I want because I cut weight pretty fast. I don’t like too much fatty stuff so it’s good coming into camp with good food on offer. I don’t eat sweet stuff either. Growing up back home there were no entree’s or deserts – just mains and it was chicken or fish.

After dinner we had a signing session where the team sat around a table and signed a few posters and rugby balls, and then it was getting late so we hit the sack.

JC (http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=playerProfile&playerID=1109)

spuff

08-18-2006, 11:46 AM

Awesome AB's...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE9nTw4qPxU

TiGeR

08-18-2006, 02:39 PM

Mauger injury exposes Kiwis
18/08/2006 13:48 - (SA)
[/URL] (javascript:void(0))http://www.news24.com/News24v2/Images/tsp.gifDisplayAd('S1');function Ads_PopUp() {}http://e.as-eu.falkag.net/dat/bgf/trpix.gif (http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Rugby/0,,2-9-838_1984873,00.html#)http://red.as-eu.falkag.net/dat/bgf/trpix.gif?&rdm=71345956&dlv=668,36883,577327,0,0&kid=0&chw=&tcs=&dmn=.saix.net&scx=1024&scy=768&scc=32&jav=1&sta=,,,1,,,,,,,0,0,0,27980,27976,27943,21234,0&iid=577327&bid=0
http://www.news24.com/News24v2/Images/tsp.gifAll Blacks suffer Mauger loss (http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Rugby/0,,2-9-838_1984762,00.html)
Collins: I'm not scary (http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Rugby/0,,2-9-838_1984179,00.html)
Kiwis to ditch rotation system (http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Rugby/0,,2-9-838_1983511,00.html)
http://www.news24.com/News24v2/Images/tsp.gifDisplayAd('C1');function Ads_PopUp() {} (http://red.as-eu.falkag.net/red?cmd=url&flg=0&&rdm=84169722&dlv=668,36883,577318,278180,1010056&kid=278180&ucl=111111A&dmn=.saix.net&scx=1024&scy=768&scc=32&sta=,,,1,,,,,,,0,0,0,27980,27976,27943,21234,0&iid=577318&bid=1010056&dat=http%3A//www.supersquad.co.za/%3Fvdn%3D6474)http://red.as-eu.falkag.net/dat/bgf/trpix.gif?&rdm=84169722&dlv=668,36883,577318,278180,1010056&kid=278180&chw=9278180-&tcs=&bls3=000000U&bls4=000679577256&uid=1&dmn=.saix.net&scx=1024&scy=768&scc=32&jav=1&sta=,,,1,,,,,,,0,0,0,27980,27976,27943,21234,0&iid=577318&bid=1010056
http://www.news24.com/News24v2/Images/tsp.gifhttp://www.news24.com/News24v2/Images/tsp.gif

Auckland - The All Blacks' bid to seal the Tri-Nations title against the Wallabies was thrown into disarray on the eve of Saturday's Test with backline general Aaron Mauger forced out through injury.
Mauger's withdrawal forced the All Blacks to cobble together the rookie pairing of Luke McAlister and Isaia Toeava to hold back blockbusting Wallabies Stirling Mortlock and Matt Giteau in the centres.
With the All Blacks clearly superior in the scrums and Richie McCaw unchallenged at the breakdown, they have been able to bank on a wealth of possession despite their well-documented lineout woes.
This in turn has allowed flyhalf Daniel Carter to launch attacks from all corners of the field, knowing he had seasoned performers outside him.
With fine weather forecast and both sides planning for an expansive game it was assured that much of the play would centre around the midfield.
Coach Graham Henry was so confident that he reshuffled his backline to blood the promising Toeava in the high-pressure area, but that was when he thought the 36-Test veteran Mauger would be there to guide the 20-year-old.
Henry even conceded that had the All Blacks not been so dominant early in the series it was "a 50-50" call whether Toeava would have been picked.
But Mauger's groin injury leaves the All Blacks well short of experience with McAlister and Toeava having just 11 Test caps between them, most of those off the bench, while Mortlock and Giteau have a combined 80 Tests.
However, backs coach Wayne Smith said there was no thought given to reverting Mils Muliaina to centre and Leon MacDonald to fullback.
"That was never considered. The idea of creating two players in each position, 30 genuine Test players, is to cover this sort of situation," he said.
The Wallabies have problems of their own, especially their disastrous record on the road.
They have not won in New Zealand for five years and they have not won in Auckland for 20. Wallabies captain George Gregan said it would take a change in attitude to turn that around.
Their big motivation to win is to keep the Tri-Nations alive for when the All Blacks head to South Africa for their final two matches.
[U]Teams:
New Zealand:
Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Isaia Toeava, Luke McAlister, Joe Rokocoko, Dan Carter, Byron Kelleher, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock
Reserves: Andrew Hore, Greg Somerville, Ali Williams, Chris Masoe, Piri Weepu, Sam Tuitupou, Leon MacDonald
Australia:
Chris Latham, Clyde Rathbone, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain), Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe, Rodney Blake, Jeremy Paul, Greg Holmes.
Reserves: Tai McIsaac, Al Baxter, Mark Chisholm, George Smith, Brett Sheehan, Mark Gerrard, Mat Rogers.
Referee: Chris White (ENG)

biffon

08-21-2006, 01:24 AM

some comments on the Game.

1)Eaton played VERY well, great rolling maul that got his try and he was constantly at the coalface battering away!
Pity about the mullet hairstyle though.... looks like a real redneck hick with it haha

2)My man of the match was Phil Waugh, that dude is a rabid dog !#^&^%& mcCaw was just no match for him , pity his heads not always screwed on the the right way.

3)Tuquiri showed why he is the best winger in the game, i have concerns about his speed though, all that bulk weighing him down i think.

4)Another standout player for me was Rathbone. he was massive in defence and really made yards in attack.

5)Mccallister was as sneaky as always and probably deserved MOTM, his little grubbers, inside passes and cover defence was brilliant.

6)Again Giteau was under-utilised and only stood out with that one little grubber that got tuquiri his second try. Pity, as his flashy style reminds me of Cullen in his hey-day.

7)final metion must go to Palu, he really lifted his game was far quicker to the break-down than in previous matches, he cemeted his place in the team with that performance i think

TiGeR

08-21-2006, 01:57 AM

Agree on your comments there- apart from Waugh but more on that later... think Palu was MUCH better but still LOADS of room for improvement! Jeremy Paul has GOT to be the starting rake- Rathbone had a stormer given his limited opportunities, Giteu has to play at 13 to be brought into the game ... on loosies- i think Elsom is SHYTE & must get the rock out of there- i wouldnt pick him- gives away too many penalties, misses tackles & is a liability. Waugh played well but i would keep him in te super sub role... again, lack of discipline & doesnt have the pace to be a starter...

naturesown

08-30-2006, 02:27 AM

So what is your guys take when Aussie plays saffa in SA i reckon we be pretty close but the aussies will come out on top. Ausie aussie aussie

Shayne

08-30-2006, 02:33 AM

The Boks would struggle against Churchill School U15A's. Thats all I'm saying.

Will this be the first try nations that a team has failed to record a win?

biffon

08-30-2006, 06:44 AM

im not sure.
tig's might know.... hey Munya whats the goss for next weekend??

TiGeR

08-30-2006, 09:13 AM

Hullo sportsfans!

The Boks have been "blackwashed" before in a Tri nations & so have the Aussies, but no one nation has gone unbeaten in a tri nations/ lost ALL its games in the same series...YET! Boks looking DANGEROUSLY close to that now tho'...ja, the boys are under ENORMOUS pressure at the moment...thing is, the ABs are SO far ahead of us & the Wallabies are not far behind...i think the Wallabies' big test will be whether they can improve their record on the road (they havent won at Ellis Park since 1992 & have a pretty aweful away record Vs the top tier nations (England, France, SA & NZ) at the moment- something like played 15 away & won 3...one Vs England, one Vs SA & one Vs France...

Shayne

09-28-2006, 07:40 AM

I would just like to say how chuffed i am that North Habour finally won the log of wood from Caterbury in the NPC this last weekend.

The future looks bright for the North Shore of Auckland. This sends out warning bells for the Super 14. Blues are going to be strong.

TiGeR

09-28-2006, 07:45 AM

it was a good win wasnt it!?...however, i think that Harbour need to buld some consistency to createthe situatin where the Blues can be a genuine contender & not just a threat in S14 again...

Shayne

09-28-2006, 07:50 AM

Question. Cheetahs for the currie cup title?

Raevoyn

09-28-2006, 03:20 PM

mmmmmmm, perhaps I'm going to start a new rugby thread!

TiGeR

09-29-2006, 04:55 AM

Question. Cheetahs for the currie cup title?

cheetahs looking good for the title- bulls not far behind...province dont have the tight five to go all the way & the sharks have made it hard for themselves...lions will need a miracle to make semis but stranger things have happened! at this stage i'd have to say a bulls cheetahs final & i'll go with bulls for the win in the final...( talk about cock on the block!)

biffon

09-29-2006, 06:41 AM

tooting yer horn?

TiGeR

10-01-2006, 07:05 AM

Well, Bulls beat the Cheetahs & play WP at home in Semi 1 while Cheetahs have home semi 2 Vs Sharks...Lions didnt make it into top 4...i call a Bulls Cheetahs final & think the Bulls will add to their Currie cup collection... they were REALLY stung losing it last yr & it hurt them a lot...

Shayne

10-01-2006, 07:11 AM

Bulls are a quality side. They just need to step it up a gear in Super 14.

TiGeR

10-02-2006, 04:11 PM

The Bulls have a MONSTER pack & a few nice runners in the backs, but essentially, they play one dimensional, 10 man rugby...BORING! :whistling: ....they do well in SA because not too many sides have cottoned on to the fact that if you can either MATCH them up front (not even BEAT them!) OR move their pack around (which the Oz & NZ sides do very well in S12/ 14) then you can beat them (guess we are just stoopid like that here in SA...) because you have nullified their strength & they cant adapt or go to plan B..cos they dont got one...

biffon

10-03-2006, 04:07 AM

im not sure youve noticed it but SA play the same game now that NZ played in the last WC

- truck & trailer and inside switch passing around the breakdown.
- Interceptions
-
The only thing that has stayed uniquely SA is the crash tackling - a legacy of Henry Honiball.(sp) IMHO

spuff

10-10-2006, 02:29 AM

Don't forget the "interception" that Carlos threw to Mortlock, who scored the try that sunk the AB's in the semi...

The AB's played brilliant running rugby at the last world cup, right up until the semi final. Their backs were the strength of the side, unlike the Springboks today. Except for the 1/4 final Bok v AB's, where the AB forwards demolished the Boks in the breakdown - and played like they still do today...

biffon

10-10-2006, 04:46 AM

yep you are right on the money with the back line - in fact im still mystified why the AB's lost to the aussies in the last WC they were clearly the better team in the run up....
must have been "food poisoning" again :D

PS i never said that SA were as good at that style as the AB's just that they are emulating it... :) :)

on another note Currie cup final looking Tasty - Bulls vs Cheetahs
just as Tiger called it!! well done

Cheetahs to win based on the semi finals i reckon....

http://sport.iafrica.com/rugby/currie_cup/news/259281.htm

Sharks coach Dick Muir is backing the Cheetahs to beat the Blue Bulls when the two sides go head-to-head in the Currie Cup final in Bloemfontein on Saturday, the third successive year that the two sides meet in the Final.
The Bulls won 42-33 in Pretoria in 2004, but the Cheetahs took the Currie Cup with a 29-25 win at the same venue last year.

It will be the first time in 12 years that the Cheetahs play a final at home.

"The Cheetahs must be favoured with home ground advantage, and are current Currie Cup champions," Muir said in his post-match reaction.

"The Blue Bulls have an incredibly physical approach, and if Free State can weather the storm, they are in with a chance."

The Sharks coach was also brave enough to put up his hand and admit he had erred with his pre-match planning — which saw a host of "changes" to the team sheet just before the kick-off.

"The results showed that it didn't help," Muir said of the decision to train with one team (the one that eventually took to the field) and announce another earlier in the week.

"Sometimes you plan things and they don't go your way. We tried to counter some of their subs, and maybe it was the wrong thing to do."

He highlighted his team's defence as one area the Cheetahs capitalised on.

"I thought we slipped up defensively, on the inside channel, but that tactic didn't surprise me — that they would attack it. Their play to the ball at close quarters and at the breakdown was outstanding."

Muir said he was "very disappointed at how the season has ended".

"We were far better than that (losing in the semifinal). But there were signs of nerves and inexperience in making silly mistakes."

But he tempered his disappointment pointing at the fact that the youngsters have all now enjoyed a full season of rugby, and will be the better for it in the future.

"A year down the line and we are better side, and have grown. Everyone has worked incredibly hard this season, and although it was a loss, it was a victory for the future."

Raevoyn

10-10-2006, 07:38 AM

I hate to see the Sharks lose, especially to the Blue Bulls, but I have to say, The Cheetahs have been very impressive this season, and I think of all the teams, they've worked the hardest and most consistently. They deserve a victorious final.

spuff

10-11-2006, 02:30 AM

Shark Supporters:... vs Blue Bulls supporters...

biffon

10-11-2006, 07:23 AM

wow - im a sharks convert - !!!! go the sharks - oh dear they lost didnt they - im not surpised they were probably distracted by the fans! :D

Raevoyn

10-11-2006, 07:50 AM

Sharks are always better than the Bulls!

biffon

10-26-2006, 05:55 AM

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20645382-23217,00.html

http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/imagedata/0,5001,5285634,00.jpg
Giteau no longer half-hearted

By Bret Harris
October 26, 2006
AFTER initially resisting the push to play him at halfback, Matt Giteau has not only accepted his fate but seems quite excited about it.
Although he is rated one of the best inside centres in the world, Giteau is poised to start at the scrum base in the Wallabies' opening Test against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday week - in preference to specialist New South Wales halfbacks Brett Sheehan and Josh Valentine.
Giteau has not started at No.9 since he scored a try in Australia's 43-7 win over Wales in the semi-finals of the under-21 world championship in South Africa in 2002.
Some members of Wallabies management regard Giteau as a potential starting halfback in the Rugby World Cup in France next year, not withstanding the claims of senior halfbacks George Gregan and Sam Cordingley, who won't be on the tour next month.
"I haven't played there for a while," Giteau said after Wallabies training in Sydney yesterday.
"I suppose it's a little bit daunting, but also exciting. Something new, something different.
"Halfback, if given that opportunity, is probably more exciting than anything else."
Giteau played halfback from the under-13s through to his first year out of school, but he has mainly played five-eighth and inside centre the past four years.
The only time he has played at the scrum base for Australia was as a replacement against Namibia during the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
While he has not forgotten how to play the position, he is taking time to refamiliarise himself with the role - which many regard as the most important in the team.
"I think phase attack and things like that aren't too bad," Giteau said.
"I feel a lot more comfortable in phase attack (at halfback).
"It's just set-pieces, the scrum and lineout, and getting more used to those things.
"Once I get into phase (play) it's just go with the flow, how I feel, more instinct.
"Play it as you see it. Off the cuff. Things like that."
Giteau said he was comfortable with the greater ball-handling responsibilities at halfback.
"As a ball player you need to know most of the calls anyway," he said.
"I know most of the calls so that's not too bad at all."
Giteau is set for a very busy tour. He is one of a handful of players slated to participate in all four Tests, at halfback, five-eighth and inside centre.
He will also assume the goal-kicking duties in the absence of injured Wallabies captain and outside centre Stirling Mortlock, practising yesterday with the smaller but heavier balls that will be used in the Test against Wales.
"Fly-half and inside centre is something that I'm more used to," Giteau said.
"That's not too much of a worry.
"It's just getting up to speed at halfback."
Giteau has looked sharp at training in Sydney this week, his passing fast and accurate.
If he can master the halfback role at the set-pieces, he has the ability to transform the Wallabies' halfback play with his running game given the defence would have to keep its eye on Giteau at all times.
If Australia's training session yesterday was any guide, Mat Rogers will start at five-eighth against Wales with Stephen Larkham at inside centre.
Giteau and Rogers are both instinctive players, who suit the unstructured attack Wallabies' backs coach Scott Johnson is attempting to introduce. Larkham would still be the man to call the plays from inside centre.

Aboriginal

10-27-2006, 03:33 AM

"Giteau is poised to start at the scrum base in the Wallabies' opening Test against Wales"

"If Australia's training session yesterday was any guide, Mat Rogers will start at five-eighth against Wales with Stephen Larkham at inside centre."

Hmmm sound like the Wallabies have some serious thinking to do about their back line! Three quality players out of position and not playing to their strengths.

Larkham is the only rugby brain in the backs to counter players like Carter and they have taken him out of the picture. Gee and he's so big and fast to he'll be great at making breaks. Not!:smiley18:

Giteau-well not sure. jury out on that one, could potentially be good. One of the few players NZ rate at centre as he makes the yards. Now he'll be stuck behind a scrum that goes backwards. Got his job cut out for him if he wants to impress. Good luck.

Matt Rogers. Great player on running attack. Has a useful boot but I'm not convinced there are too many lights on upstairs. Again I don't think he will be good at fly half, especially with an ordinary scrum and a feed who usually plays inside centre.

Interesting team selection. I guess they have less than a year to come up with something to counter the AB's

biffon

10-27-2006, 03:56 AM

I dont like larkham as a flyhalf anymore- i think he is too boring and doesnt take enough chances, having him at centre is probably even worse, i think they should have Staniforth as inside centre.

Giteau ive always thought would be better suited to 5/8th as he is so unpredictable and is very quick on his feet! im looking forward to to seeing him at work behind the scrum.
Hopefully the scrummagers have lifted their game and will not be going back all night.

Rogers is a game breaker and i think his effectiveness will be felt immediately especially against sides like Wales and Scotland who play a very structured game.

Aboriginal

10-27-2006, 04:06 AM

I hope your right but I think it is very late in the peice to start changing these players roles. They have been there for years now. Why suddenly do that. It makes me think Aus rugby is in terrible shape if they don't have up and coming players and have to change existing player positions to cope. No depth in other words which I find surprising having played here and seen the nos of players in all levels suburban and provincial. There selection process must be faulty!

Blazzo

10-27-2006, 04:08 AM

Wonder where they will put him for the western force? anyway I guess its better to try all these things on the upcoming tour of eurpoe, like you (Abbo) said they gotta find an answer to the AB's , time is running out for the world cup

biffon

10-27-2006, 04:32 AM

Gits will play inside centre for the force - Henjak is more than capable of handling the 5/8th duties and they need a line breaker at no11. I'll be interested to see how the back line for the force plays out with so many top names vying for a spot:

eg: Ryan Cross (ex NRL), Staniforth (wallaby), Brock james, Giteau (wallaby), Scott Daruda, James Hilgendorf, Digby Iaone, Lachlan Mckay, Junior Pelesasa, Haig Sare, Cameron Shepard (wallaby) and Drew Mitchell (ex wallaby).

with 5 high profile names there its going to be a tough call and i wouldnt want to do it. they are all great players IMHO with a couple of standouts of course, Giteau, Staniforth & Shepard

Aboriginal

10-27-2006, 04:55 AM

I think you mean line breaker at 12? But The Force certainly have some talent in the backs. What about the forwards. Is that Pocock (ex zimbo) playing next year? Rugby games will always be determined by forward packs and Oz wallabies are mostly NSW/ACT teams. does Mitchell have an answer?

PS Which coach do you trust??

"John Connolly may be using Matt Giteau at halfback on the November tour as a stopgap covering injury and absence, but if the experiment is a success the regular insside centre must come into calculations to be the World Cup No.9.
This puts the Wallabies coach on a collision course (http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2006/10/12/1160246263777.html)with Western Force coach John Mitchell, who insists his star recruit will not play halfback in the Super 14.
Mitchell said: "Gits will be playing inside-centre and covering for 10 [five-eighth] at the Western Force."

biffon

10-27-2006, 05:12 AM

Pocock is a dark horse methinks he will be a starting option based on his games against Manu Samoa and Kawasaki, he did really well in the u19 world cup too. We also have the two best hookers in the Wallaby ranks in Cannon & McIsaac , & then we have the old Stalwart In Sharpie...

to look out for are: Richard Brown (flanker) David Pusey (lock/flanker) & Aj Whalley (prop) i rate all three as S14 quality at least - AJ however needs to stack on the weight at 112 kgs he is not big enough..

Aboriginal

10-27-2006, 05:27 AM

Sound like you are loving the fact you have a home team to barrack for! Huge blog on SMH website regarding Oz national competition/and Super14. Some interesting points being made. Something like the NPC and Curry cup is definitely needed here.

biffon

10-27-2006, 06:10 AM

Yeah well I used to be a Stormers fan but it just wasnt the same not being able to watch the games live and actually relate to the players etc..

So having a local team is great- yes im loving it.

the Aussie National comp is definitely a go'er they have to be able to compete against the corporate dollar being tossed into AFL. and the emergence of Soccer as a legitimate fourth code vying for a fan base.

Aboriginal

10-27-2006, 06:23 AM

Hmmm must admit the soccer thing has tempted me. Newcastle Jets being local. Haven't got into it yet. Then thats another thread hey.
Unfortunately will always follow the Stormers/WP (having played for UCT the connection). I feel no allegiance to NSW yet despite having been here 6 yrs. Sad hey, or at least my better half thinks so!:smiley36:

Are you into the gayFL as locals call it here in Newie! (West coast or Dockers)

Blazzo

10-27-2006, 06:47 AM

Must admit I am into AFL these days, loving it esp now the Eagles took the flag( and even sweeter to rub it in the dockers supporters faces haha) and the fact we get a home S14 team to back from the start is awesome, so its the Force for me, think they have huge potential...

biffon

10-27-2006, 07:15 AM

Im actually a dockers fan... but not passionately (cause i still think AFL sucks compared to ruggers) so dont think you can get me all riled up by pointing out the Eagles won the GF.... but i will note that both Derby's were won by the dockers for the first time ever - so thats gotta count for something!

Blazzo

10-27-2006, 08:26 AM

Yeah they showed huge improvements the dockers, good team, I will give them that and am sure the west will be divided even more next season with the derbys, but yeah, Rugger still rules and this is a rugger thread so we won't open that can of worms

Aboriginal

10-27-2006, 08:31 AM

Is there a GayFl thread? Should there be one? And if there will be one would anyone care? (A bit like that tree falling in the woods joke. Ha ha)
Yah rugby forever

biffon

10-30-2006, 03:58 AM

in case noone knew George Smith has cut off his in(famous) dreadlocks for charity a couple of months ago - this is the first picture ive seen of him without them... hehe gonna take a while to get used to that! i reckon!

http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/imagedata/0,5001,5289364,00.jpg

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20667818-23217,00.html
GEORGE Smith will captain Australia for the first time against Welsh provincial side The Ospreys in Swansea on Thursday (AEDT).
While Wallabies coach John Connolly won't announce his full line-up until tonight, he confirmed overnight that Smith has won the captaincy role ahead of Mark Gerrard, who will serve as vice-captain and start at five-eighth for for the first time.
"Smithy will be captain. He's an experienced player. I think he deserves it and he's responded very well," Connolly said.
The 26-year-old flanker, a veteran of 69 Tests and former John Eales medal winner, will become the 74th captain of the Wallabies.
"It's the first time I've been captain in my professional career, so it's a great honour," Smith said. :smiley20: :smiley20:

Raevoyn

10-31-2006, 02:44 PM

Yeah, he's an outstanding player, and easy to spot (or used to be) now we have to look a little harder. But he's Aussie, so we're not bothered anyway!

TiGeR

10-31-2006, 05:00 PM

:smiley20: Just look for the oke EATING okes alive at the breakdown...this oke is a PHENOM!:smiley32: ....EVERY coach dreams about coaching a player like that at least ONCE in their career...

Raevoyn

11-01-2006, 04:26 PM

I agree with you, but he's still an Aussie

biffon

11-04-2006, 01:38 AM

and he has been dropped right off the goddamn bench for this weekends clash - hmmmmm methink Connolly is silly to leave him out but obviously he has a game plan that doesnt involve him.

Raevoyn

11-06-2006, 02:28 PM

ha ha ha, they couldn't beat Wales!

biffon

11-06-2006, 11:45 PM

hahahahaha haha huh ..... *sulk*

Aboriginal

11-08-2006, 07:26 AM

Hmm Giteau played well in position this weekend. George beware! Larkam also had a stormer, useful breaks, solid on defence and great positional kicks. Second flyhalf really then hey! Why is Giteau kicking for goals????? Anyway some interesting things came out of the game, mainly that Aus are looking fairly ordinary at the moment in all departments backs and forwards (still losing tighthead ball!)

biffon

11-08-2006, 07:48 AM

giteau will play well in any position though - thats the thing... the big issue is where do australia need him most - i say keep him at SH for the tour but move him back to 12 once gregan or cordingly are back as they are great SH's
his line breaking ability at 12 is crucial.. Rogers should be kept as a super sub as he does brilliant work when he is fresh but cant seem to keep his brain working after 60 mins.
Fava should replace Palu at No 8 as he is more hungry! and it appears thats what they are going to do as he was called up this morning and is flying over tonight to joint the squad!~ yeah!!

biffon

11-08-2006, 08:01 AM

PS giteau may not kick next game as he complained that he was too puffed to concetrate properly in the last game!!! haha cheeky bugger

TiGeR

11-08-2006, 07:20 PM

It was a great game of rugger from a spectator perspective- tries, hits, running & excitement...but OH MY GODFATHERS the error count & poor option taking on both sides was HORRIFIC! I think Gregan is still the Wallabies no. 1 half back- while Gits brought some enthusiasm & energy, they lacked the composure & organisation that George brings...i still think Henjak is the man to take over from George but he has fallen spectacularly from grace since his short tour of SA last yr :smiley2:....Glad to hear Fava is joining the squad- Palu is another Waratahs coster- bad hands & positional play- Elsom cocked up ANOTHER try but at least his penalty count was down this last week...as for Rogers & Waugh...they proved that they are not 80 min men quite spectacularly on Sat- if Conolly persists with keeping George Smith out of the starting side then he is a bigger idiot than...hmm i wnt say due to my closeness to a certain team who have also left behind 2 outstanding opensides....

biffon

11-08-2006, 11:56 PM

im with you 100% there tiger!
Sometimes a bit of politics will ruin someones chances (ie Henjak)
I think after next super14 season though he will be given another opportunity because the Force will be up there in the top6 next year! and their profile will be significantly raised.

biffon

11-10-2006, 07:16 AM

anyone bold enough to name the winners this weekend?
im going for SA, Australia, Wales, Argentina and NZ as winners

anyone care to differ in opinion?

TiGeR

11-10-2006, 07:59 AM

I think Wales have made too many changes to their side to be assured of a victory gainst the PI XV...will be a test of their depth...the Wallabies are too street smart for Italy although i think they will have a torrid time of it as they seem to be lacking composure without Gregan & not competing at the breakdown without Smith...losing Vickerman will be a problem for their lineouts & PLEASE get rid of the 'tahs back row! (Palu, Elsom & Waugh were SHYTE!) The ABs should beat France although i think their lineout & midfield will get a thorough examination from Les Bleus...

My big call for the w/end is that England gets back to winning ways with a tight one over Argentina (England by 3-9)

biffon

11-10-2006, 08:54 AM

i think wales have too much depth though - PI are inexperienced as a cohesive unit and it will show - there will be a lot of individual brilliance but no team work and that will be their downfall (i might be wrong- i havent seen them play - so call it a hunch)
AU will wipe italy's noses in the dirt - BTW Smith is playing this weekend!! yay!
NZ will be tested by Les Bleus but will take it
Argentina are looking a class outfit and will push England all the way - I would like to see Argentina to win purely from an underdog prespective.

SA have been hard at work (thanks TIGER) putting a tough team together i think they will be genuine contenders for RWC next year but the sprng tests will be a good gauge! they should win easily this weekend.

TiGeR

11-11-2006, 11:58 PM

As predicted the Wallabies battled against the Azzuri (a lot of ppl dont realise how far Italy have come) the Boks were disappointing but the result was expected (of the 26 contracted Springboks i've been working with, only 8 are on this tour & only 7 were in the starting team- Smit, Sephaka, Roussouw, Januarie, De Villiers, Habana & Pretorius) Great to see Argentina fulfil their promise & do England 18-25! (I got that one SO wrong but am happy with the result!)

How AWESOME were the ABs?!?!?!?!:smiley32:

Shayne

11-12-2006, 12:18 AM

AB's are absolutely devastating!!! France are rated 2 in the world and to get thumped by 44 points shows how good the AB's actually are!

TiGeR

11-12-2006, 07:00 AM

Yup!...& thats with a team that had 10 changes from the one that mauled England 40-21 last w/end!?!?!?!....As i was saying in the "My big break?" post, we are trying to develop the same depth with the Boks, but we selected poorly & to be honest just havent developed enough of the quality of players at S14 & currie cup level...:smiley19: ...so my colleagues & i have a BIG job to do!

Raevoyn

11-13-2006, 03:00 PM

You keep pushing them Tiger - We need to get back to the top and hold that spot again, as we once were!

biffon

11-14-2006, 03:32 AM

hear hear! -anyone but the Poms and les bleus to lift the cup

Aboriginal

11-14-2006, 11:47 AM

Hmmm a few upsets this weekend. Damn the time zones! Damn the world of pay TV. Only watched the Aus/Azzuri game and ......yawnnnnnnnn! Need I say more.
I hope somebody gives the AB's some challenge otherwise it is going to be a very boring year next year!

biffon

11-20-2006, 08:29 AM

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20785314-23217,00.html

'African' Pumas bid for super four

By Wayne Smith
November 20, 2006
ARGENTINA'S government has approached the Australian Rugby Union for support in having the Pumas admitted to the Tri-Nations series.
ARU chief executive Gary Flowers, who is also secretary of SANZAR, which runs the Tri-Nations, said he had received an approach from the Argentine ambassador lobbying for Australia's assistance in bringing the southern hemisphere's fourth rugby power into the competition with New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.
The Pumas' stunning win over England at Twickenham just over a week ago, which they backed up with a win over Italy at the weekend, could not have been better timed, just a few days before a SANZAR meeting in Dublin, the city where the International Rugby Board has its headquarters.
Hopefully that result will have prompted IRB officials, who have wrung their hands for years over the fact Argentina is the only tier one nation not included in a major competition, to take some meaningful action.
The question is which major competition is better suited to Argentina: the Tri-Nations or the Six Nations. Geographically, it would make sense to keep the two hemispheres distinct, putting the Pumas into the Tri-Nations. But most of Argentina's best players are based in Europe, which means the Six Nations might make more sense logistically.
Flowers indicated yesterday, however, that a radical compromise solution had been raised.
"One school of thought, one idea that came out of South Africa was that Argentina would base itself in South Africa and play their home Tests there," Flowers said.
"What that does to foster rugby in Argentina I don't know because you'd expect that they would want some home internationals, but it might serve as a way of trying to get in.

Blazzo

11-20-2006, 08:45 AM

Hmmm, I think it would just be too much to ask in terms of travel and jetlag etc for the players, the tri nations is taxing enough as it is, and I don't think Argentina will sacrifice not having any home tests for very long once they are in the tournament, would be an unfair advantage to the boks who will have more home games if the Pumas played their home games in SA..

Raevoyn

11-20-2006, 03:27 PM

What a game, folks what a game. Aussie didn't score a single try! Clyde Rathbone gave away a try and then found himself at the bottom of a ruck, and then was subbed off (I like seeing traitors have a hard time).

Here are some pics that I took with my phone (apologies about the quality, it was soaking wet, but worth every moment).!

biffon

11-21-2006, 12:47 AM

sweet!!! - looks like the aussies had a rough time of it :( ... i didnt see the game infortunately- stupid time zone diff meant i would have to wake up at 1am to watch on monday morning.... NAH!!

the KIWI France game was good though - the frenchies put up a great fight!!..

Raevoyn

11-21-2006, 06:59 PM

If I am able to swing tickets for Ireland v Pacific Islanders, then I'll have more pics for you folk.

RustyBear

11-29-2006, 07:16 PM

sweet pics im off to SA Vs the rest of the world on sunday what a luck

Raevoyn

11-30-2006, 12:25 PM

Bring them on!

TiGeR

11-30-2006, 08:44 PM

I REALLY hope the youngsters can just put on a good show regardless of the final score on Sat... the boys have been under ENORMOUS pressure & taking BIG stick from all & sundry back home (& i am sure abroad as well) from all Bok supporters. Jake was flown back to SA y/day for a bollocking from the Presidents council (all the provincial union presidents, who make up the SA Rugby committee)...anyway, they didnt fire him (which is good for me cos if they had, i'd have to renegotiate my involvement too!)

Enjoy the game fellas! Go BOKKE!

biffon

11-30-2006, 11:45 PM

Jake is a good coach - its the politics he has trouble with.....
I just hope the Boks can pull a few good performances together, cause they definitely have the talent and the AB's need a bollocking and they wont get it from Australia, they are too 1 dimensional.

Well done Chilliboy!! for getting the Captains gig this weekend!

I never realised that John Smit used to pay for Ralapele's school fee's what a great guy!

Raevoyn

12-01-2006, 12:34 PM

That's Wicked!

RustyBear

12-02-2006, 09:57 AM

biffon

12-02-2006, 03:25 PM

yep Jake is a very shrewd coach i believe the boks will be the only team to stand up to the AB's unless of course there are some radical changes to the Aussies game.

Raevoyn

12-04-2006, 09:45 AM

The Aussies are not going to be able to swing it ... the Boks, however, will do it again!

RustyBear

12-04-2006, 08:55 PM

watching the Boks vs ROW on sunday live was awesome if they can put a team out like that with most of their starting 15 missing and they play like that id say when the full side are back 2gether look out the ABs

biffon

12-05-2006, 02:20 AM

apparently Jake has issued a warning to the current XV to say their places are not assured at all and positions will be determined on S14 performance ONLY!

TiGeR

12-20-2006, 11:16 AM

'Can the World Cup' says Moffett

Thursday December 14 2006
'Let's look to see if something better can be put into place'
David Moffett, the former chief executive of both the New Zealand and Welsh rugby unions, believes the World Cup has lost its significance and needs to be replaced on the global landscape.

The now New Zealand-based administrator, who stood down from his position of running Welsh rugby earlier this year, was the guest speaker at a marketing conference in Auckland. He later repeated his strong views on the World Cup to a number of media outlets in New Zealand.
Moffett said he believed that the World Cup had become so dominated by the "big five" of international rugby that it no longer had any particular relevance. He added that rugby has reached saturation point at the highest level.
"The answer may lie in replacing the rugby World Cup with something a bit better on an annual basis in the autumn period involving more teams," Moffett told ONE News.
Moffett believes the World Cup is a fatally flawed competition because only a limited number of teams can win it.
"I can tell you that the winners of the World Cup in 2023 will come from five teams, now that can't be good.
"So lets look to see if something better can be put into place. I don't have the answers to that but at the moment I don't need to have the answers, I'm asking the questions."
He also said rugby was suffering from "fan burnout" and was highly critical of Graham Henry's withdrawal of 22 players from half of next year's Super 14 for their World Cup conditioning programme.
Moffett also called for an overhaul of the International Rugby Board (IRB) and said if he had his way he'd have former Aussie boss John O'Neill as chief executive and New Zealand's own Jock Hobbs as chairman of the board.
"I think there's an unhealthy obsession with the World Cup given that in a good year only one of about five teams can win it ... and perhaps next year only one of about three teams could win it," Moffett told Radio Sport.
He listed the All Blacks, France and Ireland in his chosen trio.
Moffett said this obsession with the World Cup forced people to make decisions "not in the best interests of the game" and nor the fan for that matter
And this was where he took careful aim at Henry's controversial World Cup conditioning programme that removes the so-called top 22 players from the first seven rounds of next year's Super 14.
"I think the fans have been short-changed," he said. "I'm an immense supporter of what Jock Hobbs and Chris Moller are doing - but on this occasion I would have liked to see them say no to Graham Henry and the players been playing [in the Super 14]."
Moffett said he had nothing against Henry and acknowledged the success of the All Blacks coach, but raised the point: "What happens if we have a repeat of 1999 and we don't win the World Cup?
"What does that say about the fact the Super 14 has been devalued and the fans have not seen the All Blacks playing?
"It's having a knock-on effect, so what is going to be the full cost of the Rugby World Cup when in a good year only five teams can win it?
"One of the unfortunate consequences of professional rugby is it's increased the gap between the major five unions and to a large extent the second-tier unions. And third-tier unions like Samoa, Fiji, Argentina and Italy are never going to win the World Cup."
Moffett is also not happy with the way rugby has bowed down to Rupert Murdoch's demands while a more important voice is being ignored.
"Too much money is being sucked out by the professional game and the fans, being asked to watch more and more rugby on television or live, are suffering burnout. There's no doubt about that"
Moffett pointed the inability of the NZRU to sell out Bledisloe Cup tests this year to underpin his argument.
Moffett is now calling on administrators to wake up for the sake of the game.
"The most valuable sporting tournament outside of the Olympic Games and the soccer World Cup is the NFL football in America and that's played for 13 weeks, and that's not about quantity, that's about quality."
"People have got to remember this argument somewhere, it's not just about money it's about quality and it's about engaging the fans."
Moffett said given these fundamental issues the game was facing, strong leadership was needed. Unfortunately, he added, it's not being delivered by the IRB as it is set up now.
He confessed that he and O'Neill "don't like each other" and that he and Hobbs were "not on each other's Christmas card list" but said he would have both in the key positions on the IRB "in a heartbeat".
"But the chances of Jock becoming chairman of the IRB are pretty small when you've got the northern hemisphere bloc just installing another northern hemisphere chairman.
"If you want to put someone in there with some drive and vision and who can get things done then put in Jock Hobbs as chairman along with John O'Neill as CEO and you will see some real changes."

TiGeR

12-20-2006, 12:09 PM

If you look at it Jahe white is a brilliant coach ok maybe not as good as russie erasmuas from the cheetahs but like you say biffon its all politics in the side he hasnt got a final say in the selection, SA rugby today has to have atleast 4 black players in its side. But anyway regardless of that they are brilliant players, and if you look at the test side that played Ireland and England it was more of a B team then the full side i mean they had 8 of the starting 15 missing, due to injury and being rested. Cant remember who is was who said it but after the second test against england one of the comentaters said becareful of the boks this is a B team they are playing, they will be very strong come the world cup. Following on that Jake White said he has a plan for the world cup and he is sticking to it regardless and he is laying down the gauntlet to the like of New zealand, Ireland, France etc. So heres hoping!!!!!!!

Guys, just to set the record straight, Jake (plus the 2 selectors & his assistant coaches) DOES have the final say on team selection & while the Govt & SA Rugby DO have a transformation charter, quotas at bok level were thrown out in 2004 (!)... the decision to rest guys was Jakes'... we were poor on the tour & beating a World XV that had trained for 3 days is hardly anything to crow about. YES, we have the players & talent in the Bok camp/ extended squad to beat ANYONE on a good day, but there are wider issues than 'quotas' & politics affecting our team performances... team selection (i admire Jake for his consistency in selection, but some guys he's hung onto / been loyal to are not performing...) & combinations (we havent had a decent back row in about 20 tests IMHO; the front row combination is not great, our options at 9, 10, 15, 12 & 13 havent been exercised optimally) the conditioning & skills level (where i have been involved since the guys got back from Australasia) is NOWHERE near where we ought to be (but we're working on it! PROMISE! :smiley2: ) the contracting of players to provinces rather than SA Rugby has created tension similar to Englands problems with the premiership clubs...the stubborness, pride, laager mentality & in some cases stupidity of some SA coaches & administrators has resulted in our structures being hampered severely (while Graham Henry & Eddie Jones & now John Connolly sit with S14 coaches on a fortnightly basis & share info, game plans etc for the good of NZ/ Aus rugby, our okes refuse to sit with each other OR let Jake assist/ advise... our political infighting in rugby has also taken its toll... its a CLUSTER FUCK!...

So... while quotas/ transformation is an easy thing to claim when the boks are underperforming, i guarantee you that is the LEAST of SA? Springbok Rugby's problems at the mo'...take the Tri nations squad of the past 3 yrs- of the black/ coloured players selected (extended SQUAD, not necessarily TEAM/ match 22) can anyone name a guy who didnt deserve his spot?...look at Kabamba Floors (black openside flanker from the Cheetahs) or Luke Watson (white openside flanker from WP) BOTH OUTSTANDING players & yet left out because of their size or in Watsons case personality clash with Jake...Of the end of yr tours, a couple of 'bolters' have been selected in the last three yrs, some black (e.g. Jongi Nokwe who is having an OUTSTANDING IRB sevens tournament & was a revelation in the Boland team that won the B section of the Currie Cup this yr & Zim born. ex PE star Tonderai Chavanga) & some white (e.g. 19yr olds Francois Steyn & Pierre Spies this yr)...none of these lads has let SA down when given the opportunity & yet they all had to come from 'somewhere'...they showed talent & Jake & the selectors gave them a go...i'd LIKE to think if they cocked it up BADLY they'll go regardless of race...then again, how long has a guy like Percy been under the hammer & been retained when there were better performing players black & white in his position?...

Any way you slice it, it aint easy i can assure you of that- but PLEASE guys dont blame transformation/ quotas on our piss poor showing...we have MASSES of other problems FAR more real & worrying...