08-11-2003 16:10									#61
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

Walsh is really trying very hard to be the worst referee.
I think it was a mistake when he whistled the devoy runner. He must have whistled something else otherwise he couldn't let go these many.

	08-11-2003 16:55									#62
	Tired of ads?

Australia 33 - 16 Scotland
Pitiful match.
Australia wins because the Scots gave them the ball. If anyone looks at the handling errors made in this match, I'm sure they exceed those made by teams of my level. Forward passes between Paterson and his centers, balls thrown randomly towards the scrum half or fly half, balls frogotten in the field. All kinds of errors have been made by the Scots.
And yet Australia manages to end the game with an advantage un points not half waht France scored against the same Scotland.
I think I can see the All Blacks in final already.

	08-11-2003 17:24									#63
	Suffering from ads?

quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin The AB have sometimes shown that they are able to play with their forwards albeit not consistently. As far as I am concerned I have found the game played by both teams rather poor, the AB game is still based on individual feats and few actions were really built and thought ahead of time by Spencer and Marshall whose job is mainly to pass the ball to the backs or the forwards.

Typical Tamerlin types again!

What a fantastic performance by the forwards. The pressure was on, we responded, and what a response! A complete shutdown of another recognised forward pack in a complete and utterly demoralising manner. Beautiful stuff.

I still laugh at Rokocoko and Marshall picking that juggernaut of a Springbok up (can't remember his name) and dump him two metres into touch.

Carlos, absolutely brilliant. He did one or two silly things, but he also did a lot of amazing stuff, as did most of the team.

I expect the Aussies won't be as dumb on attack as the South Africans were, so another step up is required for next week.

So much for the weak pack we're supposed to have!

	08-11-2003 17:50									#64
	Increase Your PM Length

All Blacks 29 -d- Springboks 9

Wallabies 33 -d- Scotland 16

Amazingly similar games. Very ordinary first halves by the eventual winners - well, Australia's first half was abysmal - with improvement in the second halves, but neither the All Blacks nor the Wallabies could be anywhere near satisfied with their efforts.

I was very disappointed by the Boks. Where was the power? The energy? And the All Blacks made a meal of putting them away. As did the Wallabies make a bigger meal of putting away Scotland. Our lineout is now beyond a joke. Only when Cockbain appeared after halftime did we look remotely like getting near to winning our own ball. Such is the price we pay for having only two jumpers. Unfortunately, either Smith or Waugh has to make way for the extra one. And the backline handling errors, particularly in the first half - like the All Blacks' - were beyond belief. And Steve Larkham continues to be a shadow of his former self.

Still, I was pleased by David Lyons' continued progress, and very pleased to see Lote Tuquiri finally allowed to prove he's more talented than Wendell Sailor. The big worry is an ankle injury to Matt Giteau. He should have started in front of Larkham tonight and did some very nice things before turning his ankle.

	08-11-2003 20:25									#65
	Increase Your PM Length

Two poor games in a row, I really hope tomorrow quarter-finals will be from a far better vintage.

	09-11-2003 00:24									#66
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

quote: Originally posted by Andydog Typical Tamerlin types again!

Perhaps, but a nonetheless very classical answer from the SH. I have not seen any great performance from the AB be it from the forwards or the backs. The Springboks have not put any pressure on your forwards as they did before against the British and the Samoans, as far as I am concerned this is not the best team that has won but the least bad. Though I agree the All Blacks have played with their forwards yesterday their performance was nowhere as brilliant as you believe it. I am still waiting for the All-Blacks to face a real opposition and I fear the Aussies will be nothing more than sparing partners.

	09-11-2003 00:39									#67
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

quote: Originally posted by finbar Amazingly similar games.

Blame Rupert

quote: Very ordinary first halves by the eventual winners - well, Australia's first half was abysmal - with improvement in the second halves, but neither the All Blacks nor the Wallabies could be anywhere near satisfied with their efforts.

The All Blacks were lucky to win has it been a good Bokke side.

quote: I was very disappointed by the Boks. Where was the power? The energy?

Away with where they hopes of winning the RWC are. At home.

quote: And the All Blacks made a meal of putting them away.

Or at least a messy snack

quote: As did the Wallabies make a bigger meal of putting away Scotland. Our lineout is now beyond a joke. Only when Cockbain appeared after halftime did we look remotely like getting near to winning our own ball. Such is the price we pay for having only two jumpers. Unfortunately, either Smith or Waugh has to make way for the extra one. And the backline handling errors, particularly in the first half - like the All Blacks' - were beyond belief. And Steve Larkham continues to be a shadow of his former self.

They will not make the final and are lucky to be playing, IMO, the fourth weakest side of the remaining 6.

	09-11-2003 05:22									#68
	Get a bigger avatar today!

quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin Two poor games in a row, I really hope tomorrow quarter-finals will be from a far better vintage.

Me too.

	09-11-2003 05:34									#69
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization III: Complete

quote: Originally posted by Frozzy The All Blacks were lucky to win has it been a good Bokke side.

If, if, if. Who knows what would have happened if the Boks who scared the poo out of England had turned up to play? As it was, if the ABs hadn't flubbed so many chances in the first half, the match would have been well over at half time. That it took until the final 10 minutes to clear out is the problem.

quote: They will not make the final and are lucky to be playing, IMO, the fourth weakest side of the remaining 6.

Fourth or fifth, given their performance against Ireland.

	09-11-2003 09:09									#70
	Inflate your Upload Space

Well I have to say it. Havak was right (Please let this be the first, last and only time I ever say that ) about Spreadbury.
Does the guy not know the meaning of the word advantage? Perhaps he is also in need of a petit ophrys? He wouldn't need to read it, open it or even know how to open it - he could just give it to whichever side wants to hit him over the head with it more at a particular moment.
A big for Mr Spreadbury. And another.

What was the story with an advantage ceasing the moment a player takes a shot at a field goal?
The players obviously didn't know about it in advance (although I guess it had permeated its way down through the ranks by the Aus-Scotland kickoff) so what was the point of implementing it - beyond getting everybody even more fed up with the refereeing than they were already?
I really felt rather sorry for the Bok who took a shot at a field goal from just inside his own half only to see the ref lower his arm before the ball was half-way there.
Furthermore, yes, those AB's passes pinged as 'forward' were indeed forward (or two of the three I saw properly were anyway) but you can hardly blame them for trying it if the opposition has been getting away with it for the whole tournament.

Now, before I catch a case of terminal Tamerlinitis, I have a ton of shopping to do and < 3 hours in which to do it.

	09-11-2003 09:55									#71
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

quote: Originally posted by ravagon What was the story with an advantage ceasing the moment a player takes a shot at a field goal?

I was wondering whether anyone had bothered to tell the teams that attempting a drop goal now meant the advantage was over. I only heard about it from one of the commentators. About time they closed that loophole.

quote: Furthermore, yes, those AB's passes pinged as 'forward' were indeed forward (or two of the three I saw properly were anyway) but you can hardly blame them for trying it if the opposition has been getting away with it for the whole tournament.

The number of unpenalised forward passes - by all teams - has been ridiculous. The question is, when Les Grenouilles continue to get away with them, as they have thus far, as have all teams, will the French posters complain? What's more, when Les Grenouilles run their decoy runners - as they have all tournament - will the French posters complain?

quote: Now, before I catch a case of terminal Tamerlinitis

Its technical, medical name is itis. There is an innoculation available. I've emailed it to you.

	09-11-2003 13:30									#72
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

ALLES LES BLEUS!
Half time score: France 27 - 0 Ireland
This is half time score. Could someone remind me how many points Australia scored against Ireland?

	09-11-2003 15:53									#73
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

France 43 - Ireland 21
Good second half from the Irish. Humphreys did them some good.
The French played well in first half but struggled in the second. They never seemed able to attack well. Rougerie and Brusque made too many handling errors, though Brusque was useful with his kicking. O'Driscoll made a nice second half but could have played less individually.
There were not that many decoy runners in this match, were there?Maybe a few forward passes on both sides after receiving a kick.

And now...
Half time England 3 - 10 Wales.
Can someone call a doctor? A retired tightheead near Leicester is feeling bad.

	09-11-2003 16:51									#74
	Increase the size of your Attachments

England 28 - 17 Wales
England won thanks to a better lineout in the second half, a nice run by Robinson, better kicks at goal and, of course, a player from Bath named Catt.
A pity though that the Welsh center forgot his winger several times.

(edit mistyped the score )

Last edited by LDiCesare on 09-11-2003 at 20:33

	09-11-2003 17:13									#75
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

quote: Originally posted by LDiCesare France 43 - Ireland 21 Good second half from the Irish. Humphreys did them some good. The French played well in first half but struggled in the second. They never seemed able to attack well. Rougerie and Brusque made too many handling errors, though Brusque was useful with his kicking. O'Driscoll made a nice second half but could have played less individually. There were not that many decoy runners in this match, were there?Maybe a few forward passes on both sides after receiving a kick.

Very impressive French effort, I thought. I think the second half comeback by Ireland came in two stages - first, they actually used some imagination in attack, unlike the first half which was utterly devoid of imagination; second, the French lost some concentration, and, particularly some discipline, with the yellow card entirely warranted. On the whole, though, I think the French have been the standout performers of the weekend, and if they watched England tonight, I think they would be licking their lips.

Yes, there were decoy runners. Yes, there were forward passes. In fact, I think Ireland's first try involved a forward pass. They didn't show a replay from the wide angle to confirm it, but it looked dodgy to me.

quote: And now... Half time England 3 - 10 Wales. Can someone call a doctor? A retired tightheead near Leicester is feeling bad.

I think we should pass the hat around for a new TV for Havak. Unless he wants to watch next week through a brick-shaped hole.

	09-11-2003 17:34									#76
	Support Apolyton or Terrorists Win

quote: Originally posted by LDiCesare England 30 - 17 Wales England won thanks to a better lineout in the second half, a nice run by Robinson, better kicks at goal and, of course, a player from Bath named Catt. A pity though that the Welsh center forgot his winger several times.

The Welsh certainly had their chances. Their goal kicking and discipline let them down and they let at least three try opportunities go begging. A solo effort from Robinson and Wilkinson's boot inflated the margin beyond what it should have been. And when Mike Catt turns a game for England - by basically taking over Wilkinson's job - you know there's something very wrong. And I suspect J**** carried an injury into the match. I've never seen him have so little impact on a game.

It's been very interesting watching England in this tournament. England are famous for playing their own game exceedingly well. What has become apparent is that, unless they're playing the game on their terms, they struggle. It's almost as though, drilled as a unit, the individuals find it difficult to deal with the unexpected.

Thus far, the Boks have upset the England game with strength and defence; the Samoans upset it with speed and defence; and the Welsh upset it with speed and defence. Each time, to their credit, England has come through and won. The Boks lacked the attacking firepower and the discipline; the Samoans ran out of puff; and the Welsh missed chances, ran out of puff, and lacked discipline. Both the Samoans and the Welsh rattled England with very wide, very quick ball. IMHO, the French have the strength, the speed and the skills to do exactly what those other three teams have done. A couple of lapses tonight aside, I think they also have the discipline. So, IMHO, the ball is entirely in the French court.

I can see a French -v- All Blacks final.

	09-11-2003 20:23									#78
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations: Deluxe Edition

It was an honest appraisal I gave you of Spreadbury Ravagon.

And a doctor was not enough LdiCesare – I had to reach for the medicinal Brandy (and nearly for that brick Finbar)!!!

The biggest you will ever see with regards to our performance.

One solo piece of skill by Jason Robinson effectively keeping us in the World Cup!

That clearly practiced move with Kay out on the wing was the most stupid thing I have ever seen from and England side – what were they thinking? We have reached a stage where we need Mike Catt to steady the ship, standing outside Wilko and talking to him to re-assure the lad! That scares me more than I can convey here!

Play like that and France will murder us – but at the same time we are still in it I guess, and even on that performance we are still not perhaps quite the worst team left in the draw? Finbar?

France were awesome in that first half – Betsen back to his very best at last? It looks more and more like it may be up to them to stop the Kiwi juggernaut – can’t argue with Finbar there.

I would ask Tamerlin and LDiCesare to have a quick word though and stop Harinordoquy coming out with the usual “I hate the arrogant English” stuff he likes so much before next weekend please – I think it would taint the tournament at this stage.

The other slight negative for france was Ibanez and his stupidity (and he argued with the referee despite being bang to rights for playing it on the floor!) and the way that disrupted them and let Ireland grind back in a little. A sad way to say goodbye to Uncle Fester though. Still Lions 2005 should find O’Driscoll at his peak – what a good showing under adversity?

And I’ve written this without checking the thread very carefully first – did Finbar point out Tigers actually won a game yesterday I wonder?

	09-11-2003 20:55									#79
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

quote: The other slight negative for france was Ibanez and his stupidity

Yes, the foul was so much obvious. He'll probably be drilled by Laporte and be more careful next time.
Note too that the problem was the French were already waiting for a reinforcement in the tight five at this time, so the ref shouldn't have let the Irish play at this time.

	09-11-2003 20:59									#80
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

Finbar is still stunned after the awful and stiff hit received on the neck saturday.



By the way, the petit ophrys is too small to be efficient as a weapon, Finbar will confirm it... when he receives it.

"Les bleus ont mis la gomme!"

Last edited by Tamerlin on 10-11-2003 at 01:48

	10-11-2003 02:23									#81
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

quote: Originally posted by finbar I can see a French -v- All Blacks final.

As can I. I still think if England pick up, and we see a performance more like the ones we've seen over the last 18 months, we'll be fine. However I fear it won't happen.

What has gone wrong though? Why were we virtually invincible pre-tournament, but everythings gone wrong now? When the B team narrowly lost to France, not to long ago, we thought any meating during the WC would be a walkover, when it looks like we may not even be favourites to reach the final

A France - AB final would be a spectacle to watch though, so there would be some consillation.

	10-11-2003 03:08									#82
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

quote: Originally posted by Havak we are still not perhaps quite the worst team left in the draw? Finbar?

On performance, you are joint worst with us. Winning, but immensely unconvincingly. But factor in England's status as the #1 ranked team - by a street - and unbeaten, apart from a B Team effort against France, since the Year Dot, then, relatively speaking, you become the worst team left in the draw.

quote: France were awesome in that first half – Betsen back to his very best at last? It looks more and more like it may be up to them to stop the Kiwi juggernaut – can’t argue with Finbar there.

Mmmmmm. That grenouille back row is a delight to watch in action.

quote: I would ask Tamerlin and LDiCesare to have a quick word though and stop Harinordoquy coming out with the usual “I hate the arrogant English” stuff he likes so much before next weekend please – I think it would taint the tournament at this stage.

I would ask Tamerlin or LDiCesare to supply me with a pronounciation of Harinordoquy. Phonetic with syllable emphasis will do.

quote: And I’ve written this without checking the thread very carefully first – did Finbar point out Tigers actually won a game yesterday I wonder?

No, I was hoping everyone would simply assume Leicester had lost again. A very fair assumption these days. My only consolation with the Gloucester loss is that it was to Bath, further cementing their place at the top of the ladder, and hopefully further irritating the crap out of you.

	10-11-2003 03:16									#83
	Tired of ads?

quote: Originally posted by finbar I would ask Tamerlin or LDiCesare to supply me with a pronounciation of Harinordoquy. Phonetic will do.

Arinordoki

quote: No, I was hoping everyone would simply assume Leicester had lost again. A very fair assumption these days.

	10-11-2003 03:21									#84
	Full PM-box? Change here!

quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin Finbar is still stunned after the awful and stiff hit received on the neck saturday.

Far from it. I was ready for it. I anticipated it. I assumed it. Any Wallaby supporter with half an ounce of brains would have.

And now, under pressure, Eddie is becoming very narky, claiming that the team has made the SFs against all media expectation that they wouldn't survive the pool round. Very silly, Eddie. Every man, woman and child and his or her dog assumed from the outset that the team would make the SFs because of the tournament draw.

The post WRC wash-up between the ARU and Eddie is going to be very interesting indeed.

quote: By the way, the petit ophrys is too small to be efficient as a weapon, Finbar will confirm it... when he receives it. "Les bleus ont mis la gomme!"

Out of respect for your fine rugby team, I shall rise above responding to such cheap points scoring.

	10-11-2003 03:24									#85
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization: The Boardgame

quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin Arinordoki

Thank you. Sort of what I assumed, and, of course, nothing remotely like what the local commentators are delivering. And is there emphasis on any particular syllable(s)?

	10-11-2003 03:43									#86
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

quote: Originally posted by Drogue What has gone wrong though? Why were we virtually invincible pre-tournament, but everythings gone wrong now?

IMHO, it's a combination of things. They have felt the pressure of favouritism, and they have been favourites, regardless of the ABs being the bookmakers' favourites. Their record stamped them as favourites. And it seems to me that they have taken the field stiff and tense. Add to that - call it England's bad luck or their opponents' good design - opposition teams approaching England with almost an attitude of having nothing to lose, taking risks, challenging, not letting England settle. And, most telling of all, I think, England's apparent inability to deal with this. It's almost as though they have no alternative game plan. Or haven't prepared for any other eventuality. Take England on at their game, or let them settle into their game plan, and you will probably see England of old.

	10-11-2003 03:47									#87
	Get a bigger avatar today!

quote: Originally posted by Havak The biggest you will ever see with regards to our performance.

Do you think J**** was carrying an injury? He never seemed to get out of first gear and had so little impact.

	10-11-2003 05:13									#88
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization III: Complete

quote: Originally posted by finbar I think we should pass the hat around for a new TV for Havak. Unless he wants to watch next week through a brick-shaped hole.

Darnit you beat me to it.
Only I was going to suggest making a donation in civ-gold to help fix the three new Havak-sized dings in the ceiling of his living room.
One for each Welsh try Havak?

A big to the Welsh for making a most entertaining game.

	10-11-2003 05:31									#89
	Support Apolyton or Terrorists Win

quote: Originally posted by finbar Any Wallaby supporter with half an ounce of brains would have.

If we are to believe a neutral and very recommandable witness who went in Australia to support the Lions a few years ago it seems that you are the only Australian supporter with the said ounce.

quote: Out of respect for your fine rugby team, I shall rise above responding to such cheap points scoring.

"Si l'Australie prend une valise contre les Blacks, il va y avoir du rififi."

	10-11-2003 05:35									#90
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations: Deluxe Edition

quote: Originally posted by finbar Thank you. Sort of what I assumed, and, of course, nothing remotely like what the local commentators are delivering.

Ours are sometimes awfully mispelling some names.

quote: And is there emphasis on any particular syllable(s)?

No, though I don't know if the Basques are spelling it differently or not.