10-08-2004 13:32									#391
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quote: Then again, Kaplan let them get away with murder most of the night!

He seemed to get very confused with offside around the ruck all game. It wasn’t all one way although the ABs were by far the worst offenders this outing.

quote: I think he's lost a lot of confidence. His dud restart that didn't go the ten was symptomatic.

He lasted all of a minute after that – it’s one of the reasons I think he needs to worry. Graham clearly is running out of empathy for him.

quote: At times, I could've sworn they were coached to be deliberately offside. Why?, I can't imagine.

When Graham has a game plan he does not let something as trivial as the fact it is not working make him change it.

He was inflexible in the way he coached Wales and the Lions. I simply cannot believe he has changed enough to be good for the ABs.

It pains me to say it but we have to remove the England tests from the equation – they were not facing a side there capable of asking them questions. We have to look at his other games at the helm and thus far is he blowing anyones skirt up?

quote: Watch it again. Plank went out there to niggle Jack all night, to distract him.

I am sure it was deliberate this time. The problem is even when it is game plan Justin gets really into his method acting. At one point there was a small scuffle with jack and Plank was definitely ready to rumble – and that defeats the wind up plan as you are then just as likely to walk yourself.

Bless the lad – he is a red card waiting to happen.

quote: And his approach to advantage was unfathomable.

It was actually more what you would expect from the worst of NH refs (ie. Welshies like Nigel Williams or pseudo French Irishmen) Proving there really is not much difference these days?

quote: But I was pleased to see N. Sharpe do it two weeks in a row. Very strong game again.

Yep a strong game for the lad. And the original pairing both performed much better than when the former Bok came on late on.

Lyons had a bullocking game but proved several times that his awareness is suspect (‘white line fever’ your colour commentators call it?).

Waugh and Smithy both continue to impress I have to say. Smithy is everything Clive hoped Jones would be (but isn’t). Thanks god Lewis Moody is almost ready to return and sit Jones on his arse.

quote: I believe there's an outside chance I might have been recalling a non-try at Twickenham a couple of years ago.

I knew you were alluding to Mr Luger.

The thing about that game is we dominated every aspect of play but the scoreboard. Or maybe I’m joking? You make the call.

quote: He's the one who made the terribly nervous debut at Twickenham two years ago. Eddie picked him to tour before he'd played S12.

I remember it – he totally failed to impress. I think I even said so at the time. He is a very different player now – that is what confidence and experience does for youth?

quote: Without Flatley, and without Roff and Burke, our problem will be a reliable goal kicker.

You are not alone in that. The ABs have similar problems. As do England (Hodgson can kick but he disappointed me hugely when he failed the test in all other aspects of the 10 shirt).

In the Boks next two games I would like your opinion of Van Der Westhuyzen. It’s not often I can say that our club has lit the touch paper on an international career but since Deano played him at stand off in December the lad has gone from strength to strength for club and country in that position. It’s the Tigers influence you see – feel free to send the best Aussies up fopr a spell with us too.

Oh yes the elder Mauger brother (Nathan) has signed for Gloucester. And in a typical piece of jiggery pokery will not be an overseas player for long. He is buying a French passport from tamerlin. Actually his mothers side of the family has French blood so he is applying for a French passport – I kid you not. When he becomes French he becomes a domestic player (avoiding the foreign player quotas) because France are in the EC and EC citizens count as resident nationals anywhere in the EC. It’s not quite as blatant a fiddle as the ABs picking Islanders but it is our nearest equivalent.

	10-08-2004 15:10									#392
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Talking of Plank I see that he was cleared by a citing panel after the game. Accused of 'gouging' (and anyone guilty of this should be banned permanently IMO).

The ABs Marshall may now face discipline from his own Union after giving a newspaper interview where he didn't accuse Plank directly but did link him to an incident where he suffered a pain in his eyes and called him a player with "a history of being niggly and annoying."

Eddie Jones , god bless his overt double standards in life, said "To come out now and put a slur on a player is very, very poor behaviour. He could be in a bit of trouble as the accusation he made was dealt with."

Please start the stop watch for me Finbar. Time exactly how long it is before Eddie himself next accuses a player/team of foul play despite them being cleared by officials.

In some ways you know Eddie is just as daft as Sir Clive in what he says to the media. Leave shimself wide open to be hoist by his own petard?

	10-08-2004 17:25									#393
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quote: Originally posted by Havak It pains me to say it but we have to remove the England tests from the equation – they were not facing a side there capable of asking them questions. We have to look at his other games at the helm and thus far is he blowing anyones skirt up?

Interesting point. They had McCaw and Robinson available against you, and, perhaps most importantly, your defence was - relatively speaking - crap. Apart from missing McCaw terribly - and Robinson, perhaps to a lesser extent - it's been the strong, very aggressive defences that have shut them down. All in all, the same thing that shut them down in the World Cup semi. Perhaps not a lot has changed.

quote: I am sure it was deliberate this time. The problem is even when it is game plan Justin gets really into his method acting. At one point there was a small scuffle with jack and Plank was definitely ready to rumble – and that defeats the wind up plan as you are then just as likely to walk yourself. Bless the lad – he is a red card waiting to happen.

Imagine Eddie's pre-game tactical chat with Plank: go out and make a nuisance of yourself. Grannys and egg-sucking.

quote: Lyons had a bullocking game but proved several times that his awareness is suspect (‘white line fever’ your colour commentators call it?).

Well, the try was scored eventually. That's actually indicative of one of his problems around the paddock - he charges strongly, but doesn't offload enough. Momentum can die with the tackle.

quote: Waugh and Smithy both continue to impress I have to say. Smithy is everything Clive hoped Jones would be (but isn’t). Thanks god Lewis Moody is almost ready to return and sit Jones on his arse.

One of the Kiwi assistant coaches thought Smith could play just about anywhere from 1 to 15 such are his all-round skills. A mild exaggeration, but he's gifted. I remember once saying he had aboriginal blood. I only discovered last weekend that he has North Auckland blood! Tongan.

quote: The thing about that game is we dominated every aspect of play but the scoreboard. Or maybe I’m joking? You make the call.

Well, the ABs dominated us (the first time) and the Boks and just fell in. And they can't score tries either. So much in common.

quote: I remember it – he totally failed to impress. I think I even said so at the time. He is a very different player now – that is what confidence and experience does for youth?

Yes, well, imagine debuting at Twickenham, last five minutes, close match, and it's your first match above club level.

quote: In the Boks next two games I would like your opinion of Van Der Westhuyzen. It’s not often I can say that our club has lit the touch paper on an international career but since Deano played him at stand off in December the lad has gone from strength to strength for club and country in that position. It’s the Tigers influence you see – feel free to send the best Aussies up fopr a spell with us too.

Yes, I started watching him in their home Tests against Ireland. I recognised the name. He can play. Quick, good brain, good skills. But, and I don't know whether it's his fault or not, I reckon there's breakdown between their backs and forwards. There's coordination missing somewhere. They don't threaten enough yet, methinks.

quote: Oh yes the elder Mauger brother (Nathan) has signed for Gloucester. And in a typical piece of jiggery pokery will not be an overseas player for long. He is buying a French passport from tamerlin. Actually his mothers side of the family has French blood so he is applying for a French passport – I kid you not. When he becomes French he becomes a domestic player (avoiding the foreign player quotas) because France are in the EC and EC citizens count as resident nationals anywhere in the EC. It’s not quite as blatant a fiddle as the ABs picking Islanders but it is our nearest equivalent.

I'm not surprised the older brother nicked off. He didn't show very much when given a chance earlier this season. I'd like to know where the younger Mauger is, though. Must be injured. Anyway, if Tamerlin's happy to welcome a Taffy, I'm sure he'll claim the Kiwi. Today Gloucester, tomorrow Toulouse.

	10-08-2004 17:28									#394
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Talking of Plank I see that he was cleared by a citing panel after the game. Accused of 'gouging' (and anyone guilty of this should be banned permanently IMO). The ABs Marshall may now face discipline from his own Union after giving a newspaper interview where he didn't accuse Plank directly but did link him to an incident where he suffered a pain in his eyes and called him a player with "a history of being niggly and annoying." Eddie Jones , god bless his overt double standards in life, said "To come out now and put a slur on a player is very, very poor behaviour. He could be in a bit of trouble as the accusation he made was dealt with." Please start the stop watch for me Finbar. Time exactly how long it is before Eddie himself next accuses a player/team of foul play despite them being cleared by officials. In some ways you know Eddie is just as daft as Sir Clive in what he says to the media. Leave shimself wide open to be hoist by his own petard?

Yes, but the fundamental difference between them is that Eddie is always gracious in both victory and defeat.

	11-08-2004 00:12									#395
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quote: Originally posted by finbar Sad news over there this morning. The former skipper shooting his wife?

Yes, Marc Cécillon shot his wife during a party in front of sixty persons. This is a very sad end for a former international player and the man who lead the Club Sportif de Bourgoin-Jailleu for so many, many years.

He was playing when I saw him against the Stade Toulousain in 1996 for the last final of the French Championship played at the dear old Parc des Princes, without a doubt the most tensed final and the most wonderful atmosphere I have seen live in Paris.

	11-08-2004 00:18									#396
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quote: Originally posted by finbar I think he's only ever played a bit of 9, mainly 10 and 12. I think he'll stay a back-up 10 and 12. There are a couple of younger, specialist fullbacks coming through. Without Flatley, and without Roff and Burke, our problem will be a reliable goal kicker.

Try to score some tries for a change!

	11-08-2004 02:34									#397
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Oh yes the elder Mauger brother (Nathan) has signed for Gloucester. And in a typical piece of jiggery pokery will not be an overseas player for long. He is buying a French passport from tamerlin. Actually his mothers side of the family has French blood so he is applying for a French passport – I kid you not. When he becomes French he becomes a domestic player (avoiding the foreign player quotas) because France are in the EC and EC citizens count as resident nationals anywhere in the EC. It’s not quite as blatant a fiddle as the ABs picking Islanders but it is our nearest equivalent.

We like our foreign players to have a basic training before they come in France. This is why they are encouraged to find a job in an English team for one or two years before crossing the French border.

	11-08-2004 04:13									#398
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin Yes, Marc Cécillon shot his wife during a party in front of sixty persons. This is a very sad end for a former international player and the man who lead the Club Sportif de Bourgoin-Jailleu for so many, many years. He was playing when I saw him against the Stade Toulousain in 1996 for the last final of the French Championship played at the dear old Parc des Princes, without a doubt the most tensed final and the most wonderful atmosphere I have seen live in Paris.

I read - or heard - that he'd been having seriou emotional problems adjusting to life after rugby. Playing, that is.

	11-08-2004 04:14									#399
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin Try to score some tries for a change!

Sorry, I think you have me confused with an England or All Blacks supporter.

	11-08-2004 09:13									#400
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Carlos out of the team altogether for this weekend, Mehrtens starting, with Evans as back up on the bench.

*Havak opens his cheque book*

And I notice Mauger The Younger makes an appearance on the bench. I still don't know where he's been.

	11-08-2004 13:44									#401
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quote: They had McCaw and Robinson available against you, and, perhaps most importantly, your defence was - relatively speaking – crap

One of the most interesting things to see in the autumn will be the changes to our squad. The ‘rested’ players seem certain to come straight back in and one or two of the key injuries should be back – most notably Wilko of course but also Moody (who should make a huge difference) and Vickery (who I fear has shot it).

Clive also needs to make some courageous decisions – ditch Woodman as he is a liability, get rid of Jones until he learns how to handle physical opponents and for gods sake take the captaincy off of gormless. Ben Kay for skipper I say.

Will Skinner, Neil Backs protégé at Tigers, is in the England Academy squad – this should see him in the senior squad within 12 months (the same way Ellis the scrummie progressed).

quote: Momentum can die with the tackle.

He did get turned over several times after superb bullocking runs. It must break a skippers heart.

Thanks for the image of Eddie coaching Plank in being niggly.

quote: I remember once saying he had aboriginal blood. I only discovered last weekend that he has North Auckland blood! Tongan.

Good player whatever his background. Long since got used to tri-nations teams consisting of multi-national talent. At least with the boks it normally just means Zimbabwe and Namibia.

quote: Well, the ABs dominated us (the first time) and the Boks and just fell in. And they can't score tries either. So much in common.

A lot of parallels with England are coming through. They must be worried.

quote: Yes, well, imagine debuting at Twickenham, last five minutes, close match, and it's your first match above club level.

Pre Dallaglio’s second stint in charge it was a very intimidating place to play so I can empathise with him.

quote: But, and I don't know whether it's his fault or not, I reckon there's breakdown between their backs and forwards

I suspect this is happening in the Centres because it was not a problem for him at Tigers (where he had Gibson and Smith outside him of course).

quote: Today Gloucester, tomorrow Toulouse.

That’s like saying today Cairns RFC, tomorrow Brumbies. There’s no comparison between the turgid Glaws and the French aristocrats of the game. Glaws have won bugger all in their history after all.

quote: Yes, but the fundamental difference between them is that Eddie is always gracious in both victory and defeat.

Gracious after winning certainly. Not always gracious after defeat (show me an Aussie who is?) – has to been known to have the odd bleat or two and has certainly criticised officials post match. Look back to the comments after the Luger wonder try for example?

quote: We like our foreign players to have a basic training before they come in France. This is why they are encouraged to find a job in an English team for one or two years before crossing the French border.

Yes we do have to break them in. Many get confused when the referee first uses a whistle in the match – they simply are not used to it.

quote: *Havak opens his cheque book*

Here is the thing though Finbar – VD Westhuyzen rejoins us next July. If we did sign Carlos there is a very real chance he would be surplus to requirements at that time. And he isn’t go to sign a 12 month deal – who would? Of the two right now give me the Bok anytime because he has a good rugby brain. Carlos can be a mercurial player but there’s that huge question mark over his ability to think on the field – and change his play accordingly. Plus a Fly half who goes AWOL from the pattern at Tigers will get his arse kicked by Jonno is it causes as many problems as it does for the ABs when he does it.

	11-08-2004 16:00									#402
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A nice little argument is brewing between the old enemies.

quote: Steve Tew, the New Zealand Rugby Union's deputy chief executive, said no action would be taken against Marshall. "Justin has made some comments about what he thinks occurred as he's entitled to do, as long as there's substance to his claims," Tew said. But Jones added: "The citing commissioner looked at it and there was no case to answer so what's the substance for one player making an allegation against another player of eye-gouging, that would be my question

Go get 'em Eddie.

	11-08-2004 18:14									#403
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quote: Originally posted by Havak One of the most interesting things to see in the autumn will be the changes to our squad. The ‘rested’ players seem certain to come straight back in and one or two of the key injuries should be back – most notably Wilko of course but also Moody (who should make a huge difference) and Vickery (who I fear has shot it). Clive also needs to make some courageous decisions – ditch Woodman as he is a liability, get rid of Jones until he learns how to handle physical opponents and for gods sake take the captaincy off of gormless. Ben Kay for skipper I say. Will Skinner, Neil Backs protégé at Tigers, is in the England Academy squad – this should see him in the senior squad within 12 months (the same way Ellis the scrummie progressed).

Yes, but can any of them tackle?

quote: I suspect this is happening in the Centres because it was not a problem for him at Tigers (where he had Gibson and Smith outside him of course).

You're probably right. Their centres are still looking for oppo heads to lift from their shoulders more than they're looking to link with men outside.

quote: Gracious after winning certainly. Not always gracious after defeat (show me an Aussie who is?) – has to been known to have the odd bleat or two and has certainly criticised officials post match. Look back to the comments after the Luger wonder try for example?

A lot more gracious after defeat than You Know Who. The Luger wonder try? The Luger sham!

quote: Here is the thing though Finbar – VD Westhuyzen rejoins us next July.

Yes, but what about his Bok commitments? July is a busy time. I take your point about Carlos, though. Look, this is his big test, as it were. Is he just an outstanding S12 player, where he has the time and space to do his thing? Can he adapt to the different demands of Test rugby?

	11-08-2004 18:16									#404
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quote: Originally posted by Havak A nice little argument is brewing between the old enemies. Go get 'em Eddie.

The problem in all this for me is that I honestly can't see Plank as a gouger. He'll punch you in the jaw, but I don't think he's a gouger.

	11-08-2004 19:21									#405
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quote: Yes, but can any of them tackle?

Wilko and Moody can. I think you know that.

quote: Their centres are still looking for oppo heads to lift from their shoulders more than they're looking to link with men outside.

It’s been a problem for them for some time now.

Did you know incidentally that a certain former Bok skipper, the same one who called lock jaw the dirtiest player in the game just before the RWC, has signed with Northampton Saints. Saints of course are Tigers local rival and little love is lost between the two. They will meet us in the league twice this year allowing these old friends to say ‘hello’ once more.

quote: A lot more gracious after defeat than You Know Who. The Luger wonder try? The Luger sham!

My stock answer should be “the History book will record…” or somesuch?

I am happy to go on record saying I have been disappointed with both Clive and Dallaglio’s lack of good grace since the RWC by the way.

quote: Yes, but what about his Bok commitments? July is a busy time

Not a problem. I said July because it is when pre-season training starts. League action commences the first weekend in September – by which time the tri-nations is done and dusted.

I also suspect that unfortunately we know the answer to the Carlos question. Don’t get me wrong – I would love to see him at Welford Road in a way but at the moment given the choice VDW gets the ten shirt for me.

The reality is we will not sign him this season even is he makes himself available. The club seems ready to use Andy Goode as a kind of mentor and try to bring through Broadfoot this season before VDW returns. Carlos will probably end up at Sarries with Kafer?

quote: The problem in all this for me is that I honestly can't see Plank as a gouger.

The problem here is a familiar one of the NZ Union not taking the disciplining of it players as seriously as it should be. We have seen it all before. Marshall has been rather silly and brought the game into disrepute – the NZ Union is doing it’s usual Ostriche thing. Problem? What problem? He was just offering an opinion. After the player had been cleared by officials.

	12-08-2004 02:26									#406
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I'll be off to Italy for 9 days on Friday. My wife and I are going over there to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. We will be hitting Venice, Florence, and Rome.

I imagine this thread will be full before I get back, so you guys might have to create a temporary thread for a while...

	12-08-2004 05:09									#407
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Did you know incidentally that a certain former Bok skipper, the same one who called lock jaw the dirtiest player in the game just before the RWC, has signed with Northampton Saints. Saints of course are Tigers local rival and little love is lost between the two. They will meet us in the league twice this year allowing these old friends to say ‘hello’ once more.

He signed with them after his S12 career came to a premature head-butting end, didn't he? I've only seen Saints once or twice in HC matches, don't know much about them beyond that they seem to be chronic under-achievers. Maybe he will add some, um, steel to the outfit.

"Morning, Corne"

"Morning, J****"

Biff!

quote: Not a problem. I said July because it is when pre-season training starts. League action commences the first weekend in September – by which time the tri-nations is done and dusted.

Fair enough. And any Boks' end-of-season touring?

quote: Carlos will probably end up at Sarries with Kafer?

It will be interesting to see what he does. Stay and persevere? Nick off? Mehrtens stuck it out in spite of obviously very personal differences with key managers. Others wouldn't have stuck it out. One can only assume that he expected, eventually, to resume his spot? That he suspected Carlos might not stand up at Test level?

quote: The problem here is a familiar one of the NZ Union not taking the disciplining of it players as seriously as it should be. We have seen it all before. Marshall has been rather silly and brought the game into disrepute – the NZ Union is doing it’s usual Ostriche thing. Problem? What problem? He was just offering an opinion. After the player had been cleared by officials.

Marshall carried on publicly about George Smith's tackle on him in the World Cup semi. On and on. Even carried it over into this season, how he was looking for revenge. What is it with Kiwi halves and their mouths?

	12-08-2004 05:22									#408
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quote: Originally posted by Caligastia I'll be off to Italy for 9 days on Friday. My wife and I are going over there to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. We will be hitting Venice, Florence, and Rome.

I don't know whether I've recommended it to you before - I recommend it to anyone who goes to Florence - but you should eat at Tredici Gobbi. It means "thirteen hunchbacks", an Italian symbol for luck. Owned by the Italian chef and his American wife. Wonderful food, and not hideously expensive, at least it wasn't prior to the arrival of the despicable Euro. Their Ragu on soft polenta is to die for.

Tredici Gobbi
Via del Porcellana, 9r
Florence, 50123
Phone: +39 055284567

It's near Santa Maria Novella. You would need to book.

quote: I imagine this thread will be full before I get back, so you guys might have to create a temporary thread for a while...

Here's an early candidate for a title: Rugby - Lucky F***ing Caligastia!

	12-08-2004 06:22									#409
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Thanks Finbar.

	12-08-2004 06:33									#410
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Any other advice for Italy in general Finbar? I sent you a PM asking about this but I guess you don't check them much...

	12-08-2004 08:21									#411
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quote: Originally posted by Caligastia Any other advice for Italy in general Finbar? I sent you a PM asking about this but I guess you don't check them much...

Sent me a PM? I usually get an email telling me one's arrived. Not this time. Mmmm. Hang on, I'll go and check ...

Oh, and happy anniversary. We had our fifth back in February. Didn't go anywhere except to work the next day!

	12-08-2004 13:27									#412
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I PMd you two mountains of tips on Italy!

	12-08-2004 15:35									#413
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quote: I'll be off to Italy for 9 days on Friday. My wife and I are going over there to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. We will be hitting Venice, Florence, and Rome.

Have a great time – you can’t go wrong with those venues. :b

quote: don't know much about them beyond that they seem to be chronic under-achievers

A fascinating team actually. Formed in 1880 in all the time since they have won one Division two title and the European Cup once, in the worst final ever in 2000 against Munster when neither team scored a try. Under achievers fits the bill quite nicely. It’s increasingly funny (for a Tigers fan) when one considers they were bought lock, stock and barrel in 1995 by a local Millionaire Keith Barwell (made his money from those annoying free newspapers) who has literally poured millions into them. They have had squads that should have swept aside all comers, they employed Wayne Smith to convert the potential, but despite reaching play offs two years running and several more cup finals they have won nothing more.

It’s so sad.

Krige by the way has been linked with them for months but only actually put pen to paper during my recent fortnight off. Not all Saints fans are impressed – lingering memories of 2002 at HQ.

Not sure what he will add – they have always had niggle having had such players a Dawson, Pountney, Brouzet, Connors and Mendez all supplying that in the past. Not to mention that alongside krige they have signed Selborne Boome to keep things okay in that department.

quote: Fair enough. And any Boks' end-of-season touring?

The club will release him I suspect. They always release England players however badly it disadvantages us – and have never yet stopped overseas players who are called up (unlike Wasps who stopped Leota going to the RWC alledgedly).

quote: One can only assume that he expected, eventually, to resume his spot? That he suspected Carlos might not stand up at Test level?

Or he could juts be stubborn. Or simply not bright enough to take a hint. Whatever it was it worked for him.

quote: What is it with Kiwi halves and their mouths?

They share genes with English coaches – not to mention the TV interview skills of the likes of Matt Burke and the younger George Gregan to wit “I hate the ******* Poms”?

A general observation about Euros – I went to Ireland twice last year, to Killarney and Dublin in fact, and heard nothing but complaints about how everything had increased in price. Most things have been rounded up to or past the nearest Euro apparently. France proved similarly dearer this year. Italy I suspect will have suffered the same fate.

On these grounds alone I am now keen we keep the pound.

	12-08-2004 16:27									#414
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Have a great time – you can’t go wrong with those venues. :b

He could go very wrong if he doesn't take me along as guide and interpreter!

quote: It’s so sad.

They sound like the Waratahs!

quote: Krige by the way has been linked with them for months but only actually put pen to paper during my recent fortnight off. Not all Saints fans are impressed – lingering memories of 2002 at HQ.

Mmm. I remember reading about him going there ages ago. Must've been a drawn out contract negotiation!

quote: Or he could juts be stubborn. Or simply not bright enough to take a hint. Whatever it was it worked for him.

I think it's (1) stubborn; and (2) he had a strong feeling that Carlos wouldn't make it.

quote: They share genes with English coaches – not to mention the TV interview skills of the likes of Matt Burke and the younger George Gregan to wit “I hate the ******* Poms”?

There's a difference between the truth and what the Kiwi halves blather on about.

Speaking of Justin Marshall, there was some interesting footage on the TV rugby show tonight. It rather disproved Marshall's allegations that Plank gouged him. In slow motion, Plank is seen to tackle Marshall and they fall to the ground. Plank's hands are nowhere near Marshall's left eye, the eye claimed to be gouged. As they fall, Meeuws charges into the tackle and his hand is seen to contact the left side of Marshall's face. So shut your gob, Mr Marshall.

quote: A general observation about Euros – I went to Ireland twice last year, to Killarney and Dublin in fact, and heard nothing but complaints about how everything had increased in price. Most things have been rounded up to or past the nearest Euro apparently. France proved similarly dearer this year. Italy I suspect will have suffered the same fate.

I'm sure it has on the transition alone. The other factor, for us, is that the Lire/Oz dollar relationship was always in the Oz dollar's favour when other countries' currencies were the reverse. Now, we're stuck with the damn Euro/Oz dollar relationship.

	12-08-2004 18:35									#415
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And that certainly isn't so good.

Planet Rugby is worth a visit. I've realised for a while that the Polls get dominated by Kiwis on this site but the current one is tres amusing.

"Who is World Rugby's biggest Whinger?

Matt Dawson 3%
George Gregan 29%
Eddie Jones 39%
Justin Marshall 2%
Clive Woodward 27%"

No undue Kiwi influence on this poll then?

The sample is 5151. I voted for Marshall - only because Mehrtens was not there as an option.

	12-08-2004 20:13									#416
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quote: Originally posted by finbar I PMd you two mountains of tips on Italy!

Thanks for that.

I sent a reply (just in case poly doesn't email you).

	13-08-2004 05:25									#417
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quote: Originally posted by Havak The sample is 5151. I voted for Marshall - only because Mehrtens was not there as an option.

I just voted for Marshall too. Lately, he's making Mehrtens look and sound like a deaf mute.

	13-08-2004 15:34									#418
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This year I would make him second to Clive for whining.

What are Toulouse up to Tamerlin - getting Frederic Michalak injured because of a shoulder problem picked up playing Taffies in a friendly! You cannot be happy?

	15-08-2004 06:39									#419
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Springboks 40 -d- All Blacks 26

Mmmm. And if Percy had kicked straight, the Boks would have put 50 on the ABs. Well, I don't know. I don't think I've seen a more nervous AB performance for a long time. Outplayed, yet again, in the forwards and even more so in the back row, the backline - continuing this obsession with the flat approach - were, yet again, easy pickings for the defence. Van Niekerk had a blinder off the back of the scrum and the AB flankers seemed to go missing. Ultimately, the Boks decided the quickest and easiest way to the try line was to run straight at Mehrtens. I'm not sure where G. Henry goes from here. Except to get McCaw and Robinson back and hope things improve. And give the obsession with the flat backline a rest. Next week promises to be a very interesting match.

	16-08-2004 13:03									#420
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I think the Boks have to be solid favourites. How quickly the world changes?!

Carlos may have a life line. You picked it up yourself Finbar but it was staggering, having read you saying how he had improved somewhat in this area in S12, to see Merhtens prove utterly useless in defence.

What does Henry do? Carlos has no plan B, Merhtens has no tackle. Is Carter the man he should try? I know nothing about the lad but the Bok commentators seem to think he may be the next man tried in the great Graham Henry merry go round.

The temptation to say ‘told you so’ about Mr H is proving almost irresistible.

What really concerns me is what this all says about the squad England took down south – I think in retrospect it was worse than I thought at the time – and that is terrifying! Still next time they come up to HQ, in five or six years time, we might have a strong aggressive defence again. You never know.

At the very least I am now happier the Lions tour should be more competitive than I had feared from Junes results.

*Edit* Wilko is due to play his first rugby of 2004 tomorrow in Falcons friendly against Galway. It's essential to Englands autumn hopes that he holds up to the test.

Last edited by Havak on 16-08-2004 at 14:25