 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
finbar
|
 |
Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Jan 1970
time: 06:34
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Havak
It is my favourite style. My next salvo would have been that we all knew Australia would have lost if only France had turned up.  |
Handy defence that. Delete Australia, insert whomever as the need arises.
quote:
I can’t remember the last OxBridge nonce who went on to represent England. Several headed for Wales and Scotland in the early nineties. Plenty of lads with good degrees play professional rugby but it’s becoming much more common for non graduates to be Pros as clubs now throw players into 1st team action very young indeed… |
It's interesting how many of the Wallabies have studied or are studying. Al Baxter has a science degree. Former flanker, now management, Brett Robinson is an orthopedic surgeon - and, scarily for his hands, was when he was playing. John Roe, the Reds' #8 who made the WRC squad, is a doctor. Stirling Mortlock is (or was) studying something like marine biology. Ben Darwin, now retired after his neck injury, is going back to do psychology. Steve Larkham and Joe Roff are recent graduates. Even the Plank has a degree in sports admin. Probably a hangover from the rugby-private school nexus. Most L***** players, OTOH, would be lucky to be able to write their names.
quote:
Maybe the youngsters matured just in time to make the Queenslander axis look good? Or maybe he is a really good coach who took time to prove it? |
I think the jury's still out. He didn't achieve much with the Reds. But then no one else has either.
quote:
No it isn’t – it’s an affront to the sport. They should have been relegated two seasons ago and were saved only by last minute legal trickery at Rotherhams expense. They are a despicable club. And I am totally unbiased.  |
Point taken. Anyway, had they been relegated, they'd've been back the next season.
quote:
The paddies have two tests in South Africa in June. That should be very interesting given the state the Bok Union seems to be in! |
They should be here instead of there!  That aside, the Boks continue to implode. And Butch James earned a red card for his tackling last week!
quote:
I’ll have to have that damn book away from you – were you calling me Mr Know-it-all or saying that you know all - or neither?!! |
I was calling you a "clever d*ck". It's a wonderful book.
quote:
And have you ever been to Wales? Taffy #2 would have said “Cheating English b******” automatically. |
I've been there several times. Obviously I was lucky I didn't enter into debates about England.
Edit. Interesting S12 match today. Blues -v- Crusaders, both coming off opening round losses. The Blues got home by 9 points after trailing at half time and looking in trouble. The Blues are relying on outstanding individual efforts - Caucau scored three tries - and the Crusaders, while a lot more committed than last week, are at half rat power. They missed something like 15 tackles and butchered a try in the last minute that would have won them the match. Instead, from the scrum after the knock on, Carlos threw one of his speculators 20 metres across the goal face, found a team mate, barely missing a Crusaders player, and the Blues finished up picking up another try. That could, thanks to Carlos' lunacy, have been a gift winning try to the Crusaders. Oh well. When it works you're a star, when it fails, you're a moron. Interestingly, for the second match in a row, Mehrtens was on the Crusaders' bench, even though, for the second match in a row, the pairing of Aaron Mauger and Justin Marshall wasn't working.
Last edited by finbar on 27-02-2004 at 18:02
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
finbar
|
|
Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Jan 1970
time: 06:34
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Havak
It seems most of them were mature students then? The stereotype English rugby player of years gone by would be graduating at 21. |
I think the mature ones studied part time, accommodating their rugby commitments. Joe Roff started full time but couldn't manage both. Owen Finnegan is another one. Some, though, managed both. I recall one of the locks taking his books away on tour.
quote:
It does beg the question of how tours get arranged I suppose? |
Bit like cricket, I suppose. A matter of availability and fiscal guarantees.
quote:
And with Brumbie’s totally destroying Cats where now does Bok rugby turn? |
Mmmm. I was out last night, taped the match and watched it when I got home. The Brumbies are playing as well as they ever have - Gregan without the captaincy to distract him is reborn. The Cats aren't the strongest Boks team but, with an Australian coaching them, they seem to play the least Bok-like rugby. Except they're just not good enough. They ran in four or five tries thanks to some very sloppy Brumbies' defence, but they were scoring so often at the other end that they didn't seem to worry. It had better not become a habit. I think the Bulls are supposed to be the strongest Bok team, but based on the Bok stereotype - a monstrous lumbering pack. None of the Bok teams are expected to be competitive, so I really don't know where they turn.
quote:
Most of the rumours still suggest Tigers have Spencer tied up from September by the way – and it would appear Mehrts is yesterdays man all round if a non working pairing is getting game time ahead of him? |
Carlos was doing his razzle dazzle all over the place. He blew it a couple of times with sheer over-confidence or even arrogance. His speculator across the goal face with a minute to go could have cost them the match. If he does end up with you, it will be fascinating to see how things mesh.
I gathered from the Kiwi commentators that there's still a lot of friction around Mehrtens and the franchise. Robbie Deans, after all, is the coach, and it was said to be Deans who blocked Mehrtens' path to the last ABs' outfit. The Mauger-Marshall combo simply isn't working. What's more, Mauger's brother, Nathan, has started the first two matches at outside centre and has done nothing but cough up the ball. The Crusaders are now 0-2 and in the cellar, even though it's early days. If Mehrtens doesn't start this week, well, you really have to wonder what he's doing there.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
finbar
|
|
Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Jan 1970
time: 06:34
|
|
True. And if Carlos' speculator across the goal face hadn't found its mark? And the Crusaders had strolled in for a try?
Waratahs 48 -d- Sharks 14
A match of two very different halves. Waratahs dominated the first, Sharks probably had the better of the second although the scoreboard says otherwise. Tactically dumb game from the Sharks. They have a very quick, very talented back three but the ball was contantly kicked to no great advantage, never giving the back three a chance to use it. Gregor Townsend was a major offender. Whatever they're paying him, he should give most of it back. When, finally, the Sharks actually used the ball late in the second half, they looked dangerous. Ominous signs for the Waratahs, though. Their lacklustre second half looked pretty much like the lacklustre efforts that have plagued them in the past.
Reds 39 -d- Chiefs 25
Ragged game of a standard typical of teams who will hover around the middle and lower levels of the competition. The Reds, at times, seemed utterly directionless.
Oh, and Leicester -d- London Irish 22-9. Strange match report on the BBC site. Reading the text, you'd think London Irish had won.
Last edited by finbar on 01-03-2004 at 03:09
|
|
| |
|
|
|
LDiCesare
|
|
La Ferté sous Jouarre France
Jan 2001
time: 05:34
|
|
quote:
Gregor Townsend was a major offender. |
Do you mean he kicked a lot? That's not his style as far as I remember.
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Caligastia
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by finbar
True. And if Carlos' speculator across the goal face hadn't found its mark? And the Crusaders had strolled in for a try? |
If I remember correctly the score was still a few points in the Blues' favor at that point, so anything could still have happened.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Caligastia
|
|
The Highlanders were pretty crap this weekend too. They got off to a good start against the Stormers, but only because the Stormers were playing like schoolboys. Once the Stormers hit their stride the Highlanders were impotent to stop them.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
finbar
|
|
Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Jan 1970
time: 06:34
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Caligastia
If I remember correctly the score was still a few points in the Blues' favor at that point, so anything could still have happened. |
That's the point. The Blues were two points up. The Crusaders butchered a try by knocking on. From the scrum, about 10 metres out, Carlos heaved it 30 metres or more straight across the goal face to, I think, Caucau. But there were Crusaders in the very near vicinity. Yes, they ended up scoring a try from it, but hardly the position - so close to their try line, already leading by two points - for such a gamble. Still, as I said, when it works he's a star. When it doesn't, he's an idiot. I thought Carlos' performance throughout the game constantly verged on arrogant.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Caligastia
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by finbar
That's the point. The Blues were two points up. The Crusaders butchered a try by knocking on. From the scrum, about 10 metres out, Carlos heaved it 30 metres or more straight across the goal face to, I think, Caucau. But there were Crusaders in the very near vicinity. Yes, they ended up scoring a try from it, but hardly the position - so close to their try line, already leading by two points - for such a gamble. Still, as I said, when it works he's a star. When it doesn't, he's an idiot. I thought Carlos' performance throughout the game constantly verged on arrogant. |
Very true. Carlos' risky pass could easily have been as disasterous as Caucau's. In Carlos' case arrogance was the reason for the risktaking, in Caucau's case he simply wasn't being aware of the players around him. Giteau was almost right in front of him when he made the decision to pass. Caucau will hopefully improve in this area as he matures as a rugby player.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Havak
|
 |
Swing Low, Sweet Chariots.
Aug 1999
time: 05:34
|
|
quote:
If he does end up with you, it will be fascinating to see how things mesh. |
It couldn’t be more cardiac arrest inducing that watching VD play at 10?
I’d like to see Carlos with us – I think he could make a talented back line (on paper) finally show it’s class. And he plays club rugby – unlike Wilko who is now England only.
quote:
If Mehrtens doesn't start this week, well, you really have to wonder what he's doing there. |
Despite the odds against him he clearly hasn’t given up on the black shirt?
I think Mr Cullen finally started a game for Munster last weekend by the way…
quote:
Oh, and Leicester -d- London Irish 22-9. Strange match report on the BBC site. Reading the text, you'd think London Irish had won. |
A match actually played on 20th February…
Newcastle knocked the Exiles out the Powergen cup on Saturday.
quote:
Yes, he kicked, mainly grubbers and chip kicks. It must have been a team tactic because they were all doing it. He's really struggling with the tempo of S12. |
What do you expect when last term he played for Borders in Scottish domestic competition?
He is also way past his best.
What a shame to see Stade Francais losing. :lack of sincerity:
Caucau now believes he is Fijian again doesn’t he? Although the BBC report did qualify that with “under current eligibility regulations, Caucau cannot switch countries because he has played for Fiji in both sevens and full internationals. But a review of International Rugby Board rules, backed by New Zealand and Australia, may see them re-written.”
What a surprise that the changes are being backed by the usual suspects!? 
Did any of you clock the Wasps result in the cup? Gatland fielded a team mainly bereft of first team players and got beaten at home by Pertemps Bees. Who you say? Exactly! Bees lie third in National League One (and hail from Birmingham and Solihull). Gatland has now instantly put himself under huge pressure after things seemed to be going so well.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
finbar
|
|
Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Jan 1970
time: 06:34
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Havak
It couldn’t be more cardiac arrest inducing that watching VD play at 10? |
You reckon? Have a look at Carlos' effort in the last minute of the match on the weekend.
quote:
I’d like to see Carlos with us – I think he could make a talented back line (on paper) finally show it’s class. And he plays club rugby – unlike Wilko who is now England only. |
Who knows until it actually happens - if it happens - but Carlos works best in a specific context. As has now been proved, he needs plenty of time and space, with the blinding speed and unpredictability of Howlett, et al, a vital part of the package. Deprived of his context, as has been proved, Carlos is pretty much impotent.
quote:
Despite the odds against him he clearly hasn’t given up on the black shirt? |
Presumably not, but polishing the pine isn't going to get him back his shirt. I suppose it depends where Graham Henry's preferences lie.
quote:
A match actually played on 20th February… |
Ah! So that's the one you drew attention to last week. I'd still like to know why the BBC report, the opening para aside, reads like the other team played all over Leicester.
quote:
He is also way past his best. |
He looks it. Unless he suddenly discovers - or rediscovers - speed of foot, hand and mind, the team has made a dud buy.
quote:
Caucau now believes he is Fijian again doesn’t he? |
This is for the combined Pacific Islands outfit? Lord only knows what that match means in terms of qualification.
quote:
Did any of you clock the Wasps result in the cup? Gatland fielded a team mainly bereft of first team players and got beaten at home by Pertemps Bees. Who you say? Exactly! Bees lie third in National League One (and hail from Birmingham and Solihull). Gatland has now instantly put himself under huge pressure after things seemed to be going so well. |
Any team with the name Pertemps Bees deserves to win for their originality alone.
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
finbar
|
|
Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Jan 1970
time: 06:34
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Havak
I haven’t seen it yet – hopefully will do so before the weekend. |
You will groan. I know I've detailed it before but I shall again. One minute to go. His team two points up, the oppo has just butchered a try by knocking on within sight of the line, he gathers the ball from the scrum, heaves it thirty metres straight across the goal face to Caucau, who barely avoids the oppo, makes it out of the 22 before he's pulled down, gets a pass away, resulting in a try to the Blues. Why would you do it? Two points up? Get the ball out of there, sure. Heave it thirty metres across the goal face? I'd've liked to have seen his face if it had cost them the match.
quote:
With Geordan Murphy and Neil Baxter in the back line we have the direct equivalent of two Howletts for him to spark with. |
Of course. And, in the same fantasy vein, they would never be in front of him when he kicks.
quote:
Although it is unattributed I suspect it was drafted by Nick Mullins – he simply doesn’t like Leicester. |
A knighthood for him!
quote:
Why would you buy him given that context? It defeats me – he must have a good agent! |
Apparently he was putting himself around. He wanted to try himself out in S12. They fell for it.
quote:
The Fijian coach claims Caucau is now happy to pull on the white shirt again…somehow I doubt it. He thinks by showing some loyalty again it might make the IRB think he is being less of a mercenary prat in seeking the black shirt perhaps?? |
Those qualification rules aren't going to change. Nor should they. He probably knows it.
quote:
Sadly Pertemps is the name of the job agency that sponsors them I believe…in reality they are Birmingham and Solihull which rather lacks the same originality. A plus mark for them is they are in a soccer stronghold there in the west midlands – so good on the lads! |
Birmingham? A minus mark is that they'd be totally unintelligible.
|
|
| |
|
| |
All times are GMT. The time now is 05:34.
Apolyton Time is 00:34. |
top of page
|
| archivepost |
|
Forum Rules:
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
|
HTML code is ON
vB code is ON
Smilies are ON
[IMG] code is ON
|
|
|
|
|
|
26-02-2004 18:16
|
|