10-11-2003 05:44									#91
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quote: Originally posted by Drogue 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

IMO, and I have already said it earlier, the English team was ready too early before the World Cup.

I know I might be a bird of ill omen but I deeply regret England lack of shape as I still believe they are the best chance of the NH to win this World Cup. Should France win the Semi-Final (and I think they will) I fear they will be skinned (as usual should I say) during the final because of the traditional lack of consistency over a competition.

	10-11-2003 06:01									#92
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin I know I might be a bird of ill omen but I deeply regret England lack of shape as I still believe they are the best chance of the NH to win this World Cup. Should France win the Semi-Final (and I think they will) I fear they will be skinned (as usual should I say) during the final because of the traditional lack of consistency over a competition.

But I think M'sieur Laport has brought a consistency to this team. As I observed a week or so ago, Les Grenouilles, when they've erred, have only really erred in concentration. There have been none of the mad brain fades of the past. Your hooker's yellow card last night was the first real piece of ill-discipline for the tournament and he really needs his backside kicked. I mean, he'd only been warned about 60 seconds before. I can understand your pessimism because you've suffered their inconsistencies in the past. This is the best mentally prepared French team I've ever seen.

	10-11-2003 06:03									#93
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin IMO, and I have already said it earlier, the English team was ready too early before the World Cup.

I think there's more to it than that, but I've already banged on about it, so I won't repeat myself.

	10-11-2003 14:43									#94
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quote: Note too that the problem was the French were already waiting for reinforcement in the tight five at this time, so the ref shouldn't have let the Irish play at this time.

An injury replacement or a tactical one? The latter is entirely at the referee’s discretion whereas he can’t allow a scrum without the former taking place.

quote: On performance, you are joint worst with us

Oh I beg to differ. As my French colleagues have pointed out unless Australia improve a thousand fold the ABs will arrive in the final without having been tested at all.

We are playing badly – but we know we can play better. Can a Wallaby side likely to be bereft of Smith and Giteau lift their game at all? I think you are playing about as well as you can right now – and that’s the difference for me.

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

It’s working in a way that ours is markedly failing to that’s for sure. Wilko must be really looking forward to having Betsen living in his lap. Looks like we will have to task Moody to take Betsen out early doors – preferably with a bulldozer.

quote: and hopefully further irritating the crap out of you.

I’m certainly not a big fan of Bath – as may have been hinted at over the years. But I prefer to concentrate on our very pleasant unexpected victory over the defending champions.

If you think Eddie is having hissy fits try to dig out the post match interview Clive had with what I believe was a French reporter – it’s priceless.

I wonder, if Hill finally gets fit, if we might see a very different back row next weekend. Dally simply isn’t doing it, and Backy (very sadly) may be showing his age at last – I wonder if Moody-Hill-Worseley if worth a punt (not that Joe has impressed hugely).

But I tell you what would help us most –if the half backs channels were left largely to 9 and 10. I’ve complained about it before but we are still having everyone trying to play there – even the tight head was popping up in the stand off channel yesterday – it sort of stops us imposing any structure on our game!

quote: And, most telling of all, I think, England's apparent inability to deal with this

That is very true to a certain extent. Perhaps worth saying that it’s a sign of a very good side that they can be wrong footed so thoroughly and still get the results??

I’m afraid LdiCesare was right about the ABs for me – they are being very efficient but really no one has asked them huge questions yet – Wales came closest perhaps?

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

Are you kidding? He made a huge hit on the replacement scrummy late on that killed a Welsh move on the England line. He didn’t have a towering game – but then Wales were spinning fast wide ball and that doesn’t normally indicate you’ll see much of Jonno chasing them.

Luger was the one who had a really poor game – you may have seen the last of him. Which brings me to my main point – AUSTIN FLEW OUT YESTERDAY.

quote: One for each Welsh try Havak?

Plus one for Lugers ground losing ‘clearance kick’ and a double tap for the stupid move with Kay on the wing (directly causing Stephen Jones opening try). And there’s also a new rut in my carpet!

quote: If we are to believe a neutral and very recommendable 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.

My own experience was very much that knowledgeable rugby fans like Finbar are a small minority at Wallaby test matches. It is possible the hype around that particular series pulled in the wrong crowd.

I would present this for the prosecution – the Wallabies are tucking away a very poor Scots side and late on the Scots try a desperate kick over the Aussies that Danielli chases. Sailor, against type it has to be said, collects the ball well and passes the ball back for a safe clearance as Danielli makes a desperation dive. Does the Aussie crowd applaud their player for a good piece of play do you think? No – they jeer and mock the Scots winger. It’s very distasteful (soccer like) and a sadly growing factor in watching rugby. The Aussies seem a few years ahead of some down the slide of crowds behaving in this way – I really dislike it. before Finbar points it out you would get exactly the same at Kingsholm yes – but that is an exception here still.

Oh and lets not forget guys that the semis have not been played yet. Until they are it’s still possible for Australia and England to make the final – however unlikely. After all we both have the best part of a week to learn how to play rugby again. No pressure there.
And the English have a secret weapon – if anyone can make French discipline break down then it’s us. Remember 1991 lads?

	10-11-2003 15:00									#95
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And here we go already from a man who should know better.

quote: "You like or you don't like the English. Most of the people hate them," said Laporte. "Personally I don't have much love but one has to accept that they often are the best in sport or in business so one has to respect them," he added half-jokingly. "The best way to show respect for the English is to be just as proud and confident as they can sometimes be." Laporte may respect England but he also believes that his team can beat them when they meet in Sydney on Sunday. "England came to Australia as the world number one and I still think they are, but I hope that after Sunday's semi-final they will be downgraded to number two. "We are here to win the World Cup and I think we can win it."

Now lets face it if Clive stands up and says he doesn't really like the French he would be put in stocks for it - so what shall we do to the French coach then eh? Make him eat Roast Beef and Yorkie Pud maybe?

	10-11-2003 15:15									#96
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quote: Originally posted by Havak ... so what shall we do to the French coach then eh? Make him eat Roast Beef and Yorkie Pud maybe?

Isn't it forbidden by the Geneva Treaty?

	10-11-2003 15:24									#97
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quote: Originally posted by Havak And the English have a secret weapon – if anyone can make French discipline break down then it’s us. Remember 1991 lads?

If you refer to the game in which some of your players behaved like assassins and murdered Blanco I must admit that I support the French players that would have distributed some punches. This is a sad episode of the history of Rugby and of English Rugby in particular.

About the semi-final, I am not considering the game to be already won by the French team, I only think they can make it when I considered a few weeks ago they would sink against England.

	10-11-2003 16:04									#98
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Tamerlin - I think we'll waive the Geneva convention just this once for Laporte.

And no - whilst it was the game where Blanco got hurt (remind me of the circumstances?) I'm talking about the two players you had red carded for throwing blatant punches right in front of the referree. It's a black day in rugby history all right - but not for English rugby.

The French pack set out to punch the English pack off the field that day and it was ill conceived against that vintage of English forward. You were lucky to end the game with any forwards on the pitch.

I still think it's a decent tactic for us this weekend - get Pelous and Magne wound up and swinging like they used to in their youth and we might win against 13 men. Harinordoquoy should be easy enough to rile up as well.

I would imagine Finbar and the Kiwis will be fairly amused by you being angry at England for a game in which two French players were red carded for violent foul play?

Discipline - it's the French achilles heal...

It's all gloves off until after the weekend - at which point I'll back whichever of us triumphs over the other.

	10-11-2003 16:09									#99
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quote: Originally posted by Havak We are playing badly – but we know we can play better. Can a Wallaby side likely to be bereft of Smith and Giteau lift their game at all? I think you are playing about as well as you can right now – and that’s the difference for me.

Of course the Wallabies can play better. They can play much much better. The problem is, they're not. Typically, they'll lift against the ABs as they always do. Whether it's enough is another matter. We've won unconvincingly. As England has. If Ireland and Scotland had given us half a dozen stupid penalties in the second half within kicking distance as Wales did for you, our scorelines would have been inflated too. The fundamental difference between us remains that we're not ranked #1 in the world.

Giteau's no chance, and Smith is now 70-30. The problem with Smith is that we desperately need another lineout option, so one of either Smith or Waugh will have to go. Unless there's an alternative that hasn't occurred to me. Oh that Owen Finegan were a couple of years younger. It's wonderful having two great scavengers, but it comes at a cost.

quote: Wilko must be really looking forward to having Betsen living in his lap.

Fear not, Mike Catt will once more ride to the rescue and hold the boy's hand. BTW, does Mr Catt set his hair with Plaster of Paris?

quote: Looks like we will have to task Moody to take Betsen out early doors – preferably with a bulldozer.

Methinks M'sieur Betsen might use young Moody for kindling to start the fire to brew his post-match macchiato.

quote: I’m certainly not a big fan of Bath – as may have been hinted at over the years.

You're not? Sorry, I must have missed your subtlety.

quote: But I prefer to concentrate on our very pleasant unexpected victory over the defending champions.

I like the way one of the websites, I think it was the Zurich one, said Leicester had avoided the relegation zone (or similar). I'm actually thinking of cashing in my superannuation and funding Rotheram to lease the French pack and #s 9 and 10 for the rest of your season.

quote: If you think Eddie is having hissy fits try to dig out the post match interview Clive had with what I believe was a French reporter – it’s priceless.

Well, who would want the pressure they're under? Obviously Clive knows that if he bombs out this weekend, nothing the media has put Eddie through here will register against what the English media will do to him.

quote: I wonder, if Hill finally gets fit, if we might see a very different back row next weekend. Dally simply isn’t doing it, and Backy (very sadly) may be showing his age at last – I wonder if Moody-Hill-Worseley if worth a punt (not that Joe has impressed hugely).

I'm sure Clive is praying for Hill's return. Neil Back just isn't being allowed to play his usual game. He, like a lot of them, has often been on the back foot. But I think he's showing his age, too. I noticed Dalaglio swatting away one of his teammates who was trying to ease him out of that trouble that arose after either a scrum or a ruck. There was a story here that Wilkinson had a tizz with teammates in a Brisbane restaurant last week. I have no idea how true it is. At least I have the name of the restaurant. I might ring them and find out.

Anyway, I've seen nothing from Worsley to indicate that he's the answer. I think you have to pray that the opposition stops jumping you from the kickoff. Or pray Clive or J**** has come up with some better means of reacting to the oppo taking the initiative. Near panic, which seems to be the current play, has its limitations.

quote: But I tell you what would help us most –if the half backs channels were left largely to 9 and 10. I’ve complained about it before but we are still having everyone trying to play there – even the tight head was popping up in the stand off channel yesterday – it sort of stops us imposing any structure on our game!

That's right. What's more, the Welsh were smashing anyone around there or closer in.

One of the commentators said that Charvis doesn't have a domestic contract next (or this?) season. What's the story there?

quote: That is very true to a certain extent. Perhaps worth saying that it’s a sign of a very good side that they can be wrong footed so thoroughly and still get the results??

Ditto the Wallabies, presumably.

quote: I’m afraid LdiCesare was right about the ABs for me – they are being very efficient but really no one has asked them huge questions yet – Wales came closest perhaps?

Wales did. And they, eventually, handled them better than England did.

quote: Are you kidding? He made a huge hit on the replacement scrummy late on that killed a Welsh move on the England line.

Yes, and? This is J****, inspiring heart and soul of the team. I remember him vividly when they were down a couple of players earlier in the year. I think he took it up two or three times last night, if that. I suspect there was something wrong.

quote: He didn’t have a towering game – but then Wales were spinning fast wide ball and that doesn’t normally indicate you’ll see much of Jonno chasing them.

See above.

quote: Luger was the one who had a really poor game – you may have seen the last of him.

I'm sure I've seen greater fear on a rugby field, but I can't remember when. (Yes, I can. Mr Catt -v- Mr Lomu ) Oh, and I won't be so unkind as to suggest that Luger's try-scoring chickens come home to roost.

quote: Which brings me to my main point – AUSTIN FLEW OUT YESTERDAY.

Yes, I know. Thankfully he was yabbering as much as ever, the check-in counter misheard, and he's on his way to Austria.

quote: and a double tap for the stupid move with Kay on the wing (directly causing Stephen Jones opening try).

Who was it who kicked? It was madness.

quote: My own experience was very much that knowledgeable rugby fans like Finbar are a small minority at Wallaby test matches.

I'm in a very small minority in this country. It's called "one".

quote: Oh and lets not forget guys that the semis have not been played yet. Until they are it’s still possible for Australia and England to make the final – however unlikely. After all we both have the best part of a week to learn how to play rugby again. No pressure there.

Not on us. The IRB has us ranked fourth, remember?

	10-11-2003 16:16									#100
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quote: Originally posted by Havak And no - whilst it was the game where Blanco got hurt (remind me of the circumstances?) I'm talking about the two players you had red carded for throwing blatant punches right in front of the referree. It's a black day in rugby history all right - but not for English rugby. The French pack set out to punch the English pack off the field that day and it was ill conceived against that vintage of English forward. You were lucky to end the game with any forwards on the pitch.

An English (Insert Any Game Or Sport) Supporter living in the past? Surely this is a first?

quote: I would imagine Finbar and the Kiwis will be fairly amused by you being angry at England for a game in which two French players were red carded for violent foul play?

Idem. (To save Tamerlin the trouble)

	10-11-2003 16:18									#101
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin when I considered a few weeks ago they would sink against England.

That puts you in good company with the Samoan and Welsh supporters, mon ami.

	10-11-2003 16:56									#102
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Given I have my back very much to the wall this week I'll need some time to compose a detailed riposte to some of that. The bits that were wrong anyway.

In the meantime, as you should be tucked up by the time I can post said riposte, I offer just this general reaction.



My huge thanks to Tamerlin for the inspiration on that one.

You'll all be crying in your beer when England lift the cup (or I'll be changing my name and emigrating if they don't)

Come on England!

	10-11-2003 17:04									#103
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Tamerlin - I think we'll waive the Geneva convention just this once for Laporte.

You are too kind.

quote: And no - whilst it was the game where Blanco got hurt (remind me of the circumstances?)...

Is this an example of selective memory?

At the beginning of the game the English players kicked a serie of up-and-under aimed at Serge Blanco, Full Back, launching pad and engine of the French team in the 1991 RWC. This tactic allowed some English players to rush towards Blanco while the referee was far away from the action. The problem is that the goal of the English players was not at all to catch the ball but to harm Serge Blanco in order to get rid off him. This is obvious to anyone who can see the replays of the said actions (and I have seen them again just before the beginnning of this WC). This awful tactic succeeded beyond all hopes as Serge Blanco left the field and as the other French players lost their temper (two were red carded) and distributed some punches. Though I don't like those bad gestures I can't really blame them after what the English did to Blanco.

It is as if Betsen, Magne and Harinordoquy were given the order to catch Johnny Wilkinson in order to wound and incapacitate him. This is not acceptable whatever the team.

quote: The French pack set out to punch the English pack off the field that day and it was ill conceived against that vintage of English forward. You were lucky to end the game with any forwards on the pitch.

Hospital mocking charity.

quote: I still think it's a decent tactic for us this weekend - get Pelous and Magne wound up and swinging like they used to in their youth and we might win against 13 men. Harinordoquoy should be easy enough to rile up as well.

Don't count on it though and remember there are also some ways to irritate some English players not sure of their Rugby.

quote: Discipline - it's the French achilles heal...

I agree with you... Grrrrrrrr!

	10-11-2003 17:23									#104
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quote: Originally posted by finbar Methinks M'sieur Betsen might use young Moody for kindling to start the fire to brew his post-match macchiato.

IMO, Serge Betsen will have the task to hunt for Wilkinson and no one will stand in its path.

quote: One of the commentators said that Charvis doesn't have a domestic contract next (or this?) season. What's the story there?

The club merges in Wales left some players on the ground and Charvis was among them (he might be of the loudmouth kind not liked by coaches). He has been recruited during the RWC by the French Pro D2 club of Tarbes. He was until then under contract with three welsh restaurant owners.

quote: I'm in a very small minority in this country. It's called "one".

Call the World Wildlife Fund.

	10-11-2003 18:02									#105
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quote: Originally posted by Havak You'll all be crying in your beer when England lift the cup (or I'll be changing my name and emigrating if they don't)

You should fill and send the documents right now, I have heard that the process is rather long.

quote: Come on England!

Who?

	10-11-2003 19:02									#106
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quote: Of course the Wallabies can play better. They can play much much better. The problem is, they're not.

I’m really not sure they can. They have relied so long on the Gregan-Larkham axis that now both are off form together they seem all at sea. Giteau seemed to add some real creativity in the short time he featured.

If he drops Smith who comes into the back row?

quote: Fear not, Mike Catt will once more ride to the rescue and hold the boy's hand. BTW, does Mr Catt set his hair with Plaster of Paris?

Probably. Another Bath Poser don’t you know.

quote: Methinks M'sieur Betsen might use young Moody for kindling to start the fire to brew his post-match macchiato.

Maybe so, maybe so. Don’t be hugely surprised if the Englishman upsets those odds (by not appearing if Hill is fit).

Oh and save your money – Rotherham are a dead duck.

quote: Obviously Clive knows that if he bombs out this weekend, nothing the media has put Eddie through here will register against what the English media will do to him.

Believe it. They will force him to resign without a doubt.

quote: There was a story here that Wilkinson had a tizz with teammates in a Brisbane restaurant last week. I have no idea how true it is

It sounds like wishful thinking. The squad uses a siege mentality to it’s advantage most of the time – they are a very close knit unit. I find it hard to give any credence to this – can you fish around for more info?

quote: Near panic, which seems to be the current play, has its limitations.

Damn right. I hope they look at the numbers on their shirt and ask someone what the position is, that they build patiently and stop trying to force things, and that they get right up their in French faces and say “bring it on” in the best tradition of sporting forwards. I was going to use the old “Sister and Mother” line there but thought better of it

Charvis fell out with the franchise his club ended up in and has indeed settled for a retirement move to the French lower divisions. Amazing what two good games can do for a career eh?

quote: Ditto the Wallabies, presumably.

I am generous enough to extend that with some qualification yes. The qualification being I think they are more resilient than good. So now watch them beat the ABs and prove me an

quote: Wales did. And they, eventually, handled them better than England did.

Oh much better. They were so impressive in so doing I thought we should just hand them the trophy now.

They used their strengths – and they got a healthy dose of luck towards the end too. Take away the try that gave them daylight (as some refs certainly would have) and how impressive would those last few minutes have been?

Wales fronted up superbly against both of us – and lets give them full credit for that first and foremost.

If there is something wrong with Jonno physically the camp is being ultra tight lipped about it. And I think you are remembering Lomu versus Underwood jnr, something that still gives me nightmares!

Tindall kicked across field to Kay for the Welsh opening score. The rumour here is Austin was cavity searched by customs upon arrival (anonymous tip off received from somewhere in NSW apparently).

And I’m not living in the past – I’m living entirely for next weekend at the moment.

Oh and the new rankings are 1) NZ 2) England 3) France 4) Australia 5) Boks. Both NZ and England have played and beaten the Boks but apart form that the ABs are back on top for various minnow whackings.

quote: You are too kind.

Mais naturellement mon ami.

quote: This is obvious to anyone who can see the replays of the said actions (and I have seen them again just before the beginnning of this WC)

Well you memory of the event is therefore fresher. I watched it live and vaguely remember the garryowen tactic (one of Blanco’s few vulnerabilities) and the injury to Blanco – but I don’t recall any hint of it being malicious (and it would seem not just referee but touch official must have agreed with me?). In any case if it was deliberate that is shocking and I apologise on behalf of right thinking fans throughout the country.

None of that though excuses the stupidity of the players in the pack who got carded. When Ali Williams used Lewsey as a climbing frame in June the English forwards didn’t start punching the nearest black shirt. When Toutai Kefu got a nasty late challenge from behind by Mr Kempson in the tri-nations the Aussies were angry but kept their discipline. The tackle on Blanco is possibly a reason for what they did – but it’s no excuse at all.

quote: It is as if Betsen, Magne and Harinordoquy were given the order to catch Johnny Wilkinson in order to wound and incapacitate him. This is not acceptable whatever the team.

True. Shall we keep an eye on those gentlemen then as all three will at various times be looking to hit him as hard as they possible can. The slightest mis-timing could be very serious indeed for Jonny.

quote: Hospital mocking charity.

In a way – although the disciplinary record of Carling’s England wasn’t too bad for the era.

quote: Don't count on it though and remember there are also some ways to irritate some English players not sure of their Rugby.

Can I give you some advice? Spin it wide quickly and you may have wingers running one at one at English locks and props drifting stupidly in a wingers position.

quote: You should fill and send the documents right now, I have heard that the process is rather long.

I’ll keep my pen ready for Sunday.

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.

	11-11-2003 13:45									#107
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Well the officials have been named. Australia-New Zealand get Chris White with Watson and Jutge on the line (fourth official is Spreadbury just to make Ravagon’s day).

Here is the controversial pick though – Paddy O’Brien for England-France with Dickinson and Nigel Williams on the line. Neither team will get on well with O’Brien who has proven over the last few years he has little empathy with how NH teams play the game – Tamerlin will be pleased.

So Smith is fit, Umaga isn’t (surprise), Tony Marsh is playing down France as favourites and saying this about NZ-Australia…

quote: "If Australia play like they did against Scotland they could lose by 40 or 50 points," he said. "I see New Zealand as the stronger team. They're far better than Australia."

…but then he is hardly unbiased in that now is he?

Better news is that Hill should finally be fit – and whilst Finbar might wrongly believe Betsen could eat Moody for breakfast the presence of Hill certainly tips that physical battle in our favour.

Still it’s not all bad for Finbar – Lewsey and Balshaw are both expected to be fit so Austin will not join the squad and should be back for our cup game with Sale on Saturday.

	11-11-2003 15:56									#108
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Well, Finbar you were right. No Tana, not even on the bench. I really thought he'd make it judging from his passion to recover and the reports on his improvement. I thought he'd replace MacDonald against Aussie for the final 20 - the kicking going back to Spencer. He would provide the defence currently lacking somewhat in the midfield.

Thinking about it now I guess it's a blessing in disguise. Spencer is looking to be in much better form now that the pressure of kicking has been taken off him, and MacDonald seems to be more accurate anyway.

My heart goes out to Umaga, he tried his utmost to make this game, but in the end couldn't quite get there in time. He won't be risked in the final, not now.

	11-11-2003 16:03									#109
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You don't see Australia as much of a barrier then?

	11-11-2003 16:17									#110
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Well, I'm quietly confident but wouldn't be surprised if Aussie get two lucky tries and then put on a rock solid display of defence to keep us from getting ahead.

They'll give it everything they've got, they're the underdogs playing at home and as Thorne said, they know our game.

So yeah, I'll still be shitting myself.

	11-11-2003 16:39									#111
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I'm sure we'll see their best showing of the tournament - but I honestly can't see them beating the ABs even so.

No more leg pulling from me on that one therefore.

The less certain question for me is who the ABs will now face - and you can be sure that one has me ******** myself too.

	11-11-2003 16:51									#112
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quote: Originally posted by Havak I’m really not sure they can. They have relied so long on the Gregan-Larkham axis that now both are off form together they seem all at sea. Giteau seemed to add some real creativity in the short time he featured.

He did. Top class player in the making. Good enough now, in fact, to be playing in front of Larkham in his current form. But, of course, the injury kills that possibility! Not that it would've happened anyway.

quote: If he drops Smith who comes into the back row?

He won't. Well, he hasn't. But Cockbain would probably start in his place.

quote: Oh and save your money – Rotherham are a dead duck.

You hope.

quote: It sounds like wishful thinking. The squad uses a siege mentality to it’s advantage most of the time – they are a very close knit unit. I find it hard to give any credence to this – can you fish around for more info?

Apparently he arrived late, had an argument with some teammates, and left again immediately. I'll dig out the name of the restaurant and get their phone number. You can ring them. From work, of course.

quote: Wales fronted up superbly against both of us – and lets give them full credit for that first and foremost.

I do. There are some very good young players in that side. Hope for the future, perhaps.

quote: And I think you are remembering Lomu versus Underwood jnr, something that still gives me nightmares!

Was that who Lomu ran over the top of? I thought it was Catt.

quote: The rumour here is Austin was cavity searched by customs upon arrival (anonymous tip off received from somewhere in NSW apparently).

They asked him to spread his cheeks, and, quite appropriately for him, he opened his mouth.

	11-11-2003 16:55									#113
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin He has been recruited during the RWC by the French Pro D2 club of Tarbes. He was until then under contract with three welsh restaurant owners.

Is it true you wrote most of M'sieur Tati's material too?

quote: Call the World Wildlife Fund.

I don't think so. One of me is enough for this world.

	11-11-2003 16:57									#114
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If England meet the Aussies it won't be in the final

	11-11-2003 17:01									#115
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Here is the controversial pick though – Paddy O’Brien for England-France with Dickinson and Nigel Williams on the line. Neither team will get on well with O’Brien who has proven over the last few years he has little empathy with how NH teams play the game

But Les Grenouilles play a SH style of rugby anyway. England? Well, I'm not sure what they're playing at the moment. Something approaching Blind Man's Bluff, perhaps.

quote: Tony Marsh is playing down France as favourites and saying this about NZ-Australia… …but then he is hardly unbiased in that now is he?

He's also probably not far wrong, certainly about the Scotland bit.

quote: Still it’s not all bad for Finbar – Lewsey and Balshaw are both expected to be fit so Austin will not join the squad and should be back for our cup game with Sale on Saturday.

Apparently he ticked the "Something To Declare" box on the immigration form. They asked what it was. He said a brain. He was fined for signing a false declaration.

	11-11-2003 17:09									#116
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quote: Originally posted by Andydog Well, Finbar you were right. No Tana, not even on the bench. I really thought he'd make it judging from his passion to recover and the reports on his improvement.

I honestly thought he was never going to make it. I think he was kept around (a) for team morale purposes, and (b) to create whatever doubts they could in opposing teams' minds. Even if he were, technically, fully recovered from the knee, it would have been madness to risk him in such a pressure cooker match with dodgy overall fitness.

	11-11-2003 17:12									#117
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quote: Originally posted by Andydog Well, I'm quietly confident but wouldn't be surprised if Aussie get two lucky tries and then put on a rock solid display of defence to keep us from getting ahead. They'll give it everything they've got, they're the underdogs playing at home and as Thorne said, they know our game. So yeah, I'll still be shitting myself.

Unless there are remarkable turnarounds, we will, at best, I hope, go down fighting bravely.

And then watch the blood flow across the floor of Australian rugby.

	11-11-2003 17:14									#118
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quote: Originally posted by Havak The less certain question for me is who the ABs will now face - and you can be sure that one has me ******** myself too.

Well, I’m supporting England in that game, especially after how the stuck record has continuously bagged our forward pack since day 1.

I think you’ll have Wilko playing with more confidence if Woodward has Catt outside. As was demonstrated in the second half of the Wales game - they play more of a SH type 1st and 2nd Five. Have you noticed how Spencer and the AB back line seem to play better when Mauger is playing? In the same way I think Catt gives England that extra bit of sharpness. With the way the England midfield has been labouring away, the pressure has been piling onto Wilko with no outlet. Catt seems to offer more as a playmaker and also takes some of the responsibility.

You also need to get all those lumps out of the No 10 channel and make sure that it's the scrum half that is distributing the ball. I think your biggest worry is that you're still lacking in decent attacking backplay, so that is going to make it very hard to score against the French who must be close to your equal (if not better) in the forwards and clearly better in the backs. Also, the French flyhalf looks close to the equal of Wilko at place kicking, so your boys really need to step it up or I'd have to say the French are going to roll ya...

Then again, you’ve played badly in four games out of five and yet you’re still in the semis - anything can happen now and although the frogs are favourites next week you do know what it's like to beat them on a regular basis, so maybe, just maybe.....

	11-11-2003 17:14									#119
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quote: Originally posted by Havak The less certain question for me is who the ABs will now face - and you can be sure that one has me ******** myself too.

I would assume that you will take Monday off either way. For different reasons.

	11-11-2003 17:20									#120
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quote: Originally posted by Andydog you do know what it's like to beat them on a regular basis, so maybe, just maybe.....

They also knew what it was like to thump the serious crap out of Wales on a regular basis. I'm not sure what the next step up the thumping-out scale from serious crap is, but they would have thumped it out of Samoa, too. Funny things, Rugby World Cups, as most of them have proved. And as you well know, Mr A.