31-01-2005 03:35									#301
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Finbar, whether you want it or not... you are an Australian!

	31-01-2005 05:17									#302
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Last week I put the History of Rugby video in the mail to you. I had to fill out a little customs slip declaring it wasn't a bomb. I'm famous for being a liar!

	31-01-2005 06:01									#303
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quote: Originally posted by finbar I'm famous for being a liar!

Typically Australian, isn't it?

	31-01-2005 11:21									#304
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Has he finally gone to bed? Yes? Good.

	31-01-2005 14:31									#305
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The word ‘Australian’ is appearing with increasing frequency ever since you asked not to be called it – strange that?

quote: but it will be much harder against England with a back row that's not used to playing together.

England have a lot of injury worries themselves – including the back row – so don’t worry too much. I agree you will miss Betsen – he would have scared Hodgson out the game.

Tigers 32 – Quins 17

The score flattered us – it was a poor game. Jonno missed it with a back that had ‘tightened up’ Friday. Moody missed it with a Hammy tweak.

All told at the moment England have injury concerns over Dawson, Noon, Hazell and Moody. The scratch back row is therefore set to become scratchier (if such a word exists!).

quote: Stupid doesn't have to mean lacking in intelligence. Plenty of bright people can also be stupid. Clive, for instance.

I concede the point to you.

quote: Do an Eddie and blood a 20 year-old Matt Giteau. Sort out who has promise. Don't revert to proven failures like H. Paul. There's no future in it.

I agree entirely – but I think Robinson is conservative with the small ‘C’. I fear a mish mash of older second tier players running out in Cardiff. It worries me that he persists with the Bath second rows for example, and not just because of my personal dislike of Bath. They haven’t exactly been setting the league aflame this year and I’m really keen to see the Brown-Deacon combination tried – but Robinson cut both in the drop to a 30 man 6N squad. The four locks are Shaw, Kay, Borthwick and Grewcock – average age around 30.

I’m watching for the squad with great interest – but thus far I agree that Robinson is not looking the man to move things on.

quote: That's the McQueen system. It could only come to rugby when there was enough money to fund it. It's very expensive.

True. Sir Clive didn’t spend quite as much RFU money as myth suggests (remember that figure Ravagon quoted?) but he did spend a lot. He was also clever in the sponsorship he brought in to the setup. Overall I wouldn’t imagine he spent much more that his main rivals – but then it’s very hard to tell as none of the Unions involved are particularly transparent about their finances.

quote: isn't going to be anywhere near the quality of the lot that came here.

The 2001 squad was a fantastic pool of talent that is for sure. This will be a good squad but I would agree it is unlikely to be quite as good. There are some break through players that could shine – Moody of course and the Irish lock O’Connell. Murphy may even be fit to make this tour. But there is that huge hole at skipper that just can’t be filled.

I have to concede one thing to Clive and that is that the team and players will be much better prepared – one thing he does do is make the whole experience of selection a comprehensive and positive one for the players and that is a huge difference to last time.

quote: Why do you think I hate this place so much?

I thought it was because you didn’t like what they passed off as beer?

I must have been having a bad day to recycle my woes from Lions 2001 – it wasn’t my intention to go off on a(nother) rant against your countrymen. I must try harder to avoid temptation.

I find Howard quite an interesting person – he does come across as desperate to be recognised as a stateman – but then Blair always strikes me the same way.

But then Blair has problems of his own – a Hercules downed far to the north of where any British troops are stationed was likely to be carrying 22nd Regiment men (better known under the three letter acronym SAS) – and I wonder where they were going and what they were doing?

	31-01-2005 16:31									#306
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quote: Originally posted by Havak The word ‘Australian’ is appearing with increasing frequency ever since you asked not to be called it – strange that?

That pesky little grenouille! I wonder if fly spray works on him!

quote: I agree entirely – but I think Robinson is conservative with the small ‘C’. I fear a mish mash of older second tier players running out in Cardiff.

I know I'm hammering it, but why? What does it achieve? What if they're rolled by the French or Irish? Or both? Younger, promising players might also get rolled, but at least experience has been gained and talents gauged. Anyway, I'll leave it alone now. No I won't. It's stupid and short-sighted. Now I'll leave it alone. Until I see the team.

quote: I find Howard quite an interesting person – he does come across as desperate to be recognised as a stateman – but then Blair always strikes me the same way.

Howard does suffer Little Man Syndrome. The truly scary thing is that he and Bush are genuinely close. They're equally conservative, and religious. And there Howard was in Switzerland acting as Bush's defender and lap dog. Blair is just into self-aggrandisement.

On the other hand, at least Blair has differed publicly with Bush. Howard won't. The English government pressured the Americans to hand over the Brits who were detained in Cuba and who weren't going to be charged. Howard wouldn't do the same for the couple of Australians detained there. Only when it was learned that one of them had been abused and, possibly, tortured, was he suddenly released by the Americans without charge. The Australian government has now brought him home, but advised that he will be monitored 24 hours a day by our intelligence services (ho hum, they're a joke), will have his passport taken away, and will be prevented from profiting in any way from the events. In other words, he won't be able to sell his story. That's the government's intent anyway. There is a law to the effect that convicted criminals can't profit from their crimes. But this man wasn't charged let alone convicted, and you can be sure that if the Americans had found any grounds to charge him, they would have. So exactly how our government will manage to prevent him selling his story is an interesting question. What they're seeking to avoid, of course, is having the Americans publicly embarrassed. This is a despicable despicable government whose contempt for people's rights sets a new benchmark in utter hypocrisy. Bringing freedom and democracy to the world while treating their own citizens' human rights with contempt. Bustards.

quote: But then Blair has problems of his own – a Hercules downed far to the north of where any British troops are stationed was likely to be carrying 22nd Regiment men (better known under the three letter acronym SAS) – and I wonder where they were going and what they were doing?

Exactly.

	31-01-2005 22:50									#307
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quote: Originally posted by finbar That pesky little grenouille! I wonder if fly spray works on him!

No!

	01-02-2005 07:25									#308
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It's interesting that every time I play Civ single player as the French, every hut that I open contains money. Not a military unit to be seen. I suppose this explains France's ordinary military history.

So, Havak, A. Robinson has showed some nerve after all. A centre not yet old enough to shave. And playing alongside another Novacastrian. Gee, with the England centre pairing, it's surprising Newcastle continues to struggle in the premiership. Yet Dawson returns. Why? What is achieved? Why isn't Ellis starting? Or does Robinson only allow himself one bit of daring per selection and the pre-pubescent centre is it for this time? I note that Kay will partner Grewcock if Grewcock isn't cited for stomping The Nose. I'd've thought a medal more appropriate than a citing.

	01-02-2005 07:39									#309
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Mornin' all.

Just finished a particularly hideous (irritating flippin' clients. Grrr. ) couple of weeks at work.

Only thing I've even managed to catch, in any way rugby-related, over the past couple of weeks has been his lordships retirement. So long MJ. You will be missed.
Perhaps by some more than others, but missed nevertheless.

I see nothing much has changed in this thread though ...

	01-02-2005 14:13									#310
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Very little has changed – except where Carlos is playing his rugby from August.

Welcome back.

On a more sombre note the pilot of that Hercules was actually an Aussie serving with the RAF – and the other nine were apparently RAF too (although the MOD never admits the presence of SAS and a Herc holds a lot more than nine people). It still begs the question what it was doing where it was downed.

And then a Brit policeman drowns in Sydney saving three kids. What a strange world – my sympathies go to all affected families.

quote: I suppose this explains France's ordinary military history.

Oh boy – now that is like lighting a short fuse on a powder keg!

quote: Gee, with the England centre pairing, it's surprising Newcastle continues to struggle in the premiership.

And Ollie Smith, part of a backline that cut them to pieces at their place in October, misses out totally. Strange as he scored a try that day where he skinned them both and he isn’t playing any worse now than then.

Still it is a brave choice and I applaud it – he certainly cannot blame anyone else if it goes wrong.

quote: Or does Robinson only allow himself one bit of daring per selection and the pre-pubescent centre is it for this time?

I have to admit that was my reaction – a brave choice balanced by a conservative one.

But the reason is probably that Welsh scrum halves excel in winding up their English counterparts and Dawson has bags of experience. Ellis can learn from Matt I think 0 so he needs to use this time to cement his eventual takeover.

quote: I'd've thought a medal more appropriate than a citing.

It’s a popular view. They have a history of course – Danny has been red carded before for lamping Dayglo.

Grewcock is a good player – but I think they call it a ‘suspect temperament’. I have to hope he can play though as the other bath lad is on the bench and would step up (and I really don’t rate him).

Kay does look to be returning to fairly good form so I am pleased to see him start.

I’m also pleased to see Forrester on the bench – less bulky than most back rows but great skills and very fast. He is what Clive once hoped Chris Jones was (though proved not to be). The only down side is that he is a Glaws man.

	01-02-2005 16:26									#311
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Oh boy – now that is like lighting a short fuse on a powder keg!

If fly spray doesn't work, I'll try dynamite.

quote: I’m also pleased to see Forrester on the bench – less bulky than most back rows but great skills and very fast. He is what Clive once hoped Chris Jones was (though proved not to be). The only down side is that he is a Glaws man.

And who is Hazell? Do I know him?

	01-02-2005 18:12									#312
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Gloucester openside. Came into the reckoning when Lipman got injured. Competent but thats about it. He is younger than I thought he was (27 in April) but the only ones who evangelise about him are Glaws fans. Nothing to write home about really.

In the long term I think he is marking time until Skinner, seven years his junior and in the national academy, replaces him.

	02-02-2005 01:16									#313
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quote: Originally posted by finbar It's interesting that every time I play Civ single player as the French, every hut that I open contains money. Not a military unit to be seen. I suppose this explains France's ordinary military history.

Bump!!!

Napoléon's head hitting the top of its tomb.

	02-02-2005 13:41									#314
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Why? Is Wellington kicking his arse yet again?

	02-02-2005 14:18									#315
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Who?

	02-02-2005 20:31									#316
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Heh Finbar the RFU never even charged Grewcock in the end. He didn't meet the criteria apparently (last name was not 'Johnson').

	03-02-2005 12:07									#317
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He should be red carded every week for having a rude name!

*twiddling thumbs, awaiting the 6N carnage - Scotland stuffing France, Wales stuffing England - on the weekend*

	03-02-2005 13:31									#318
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Twiddle your thumbs for that long and you may not have any left by the time it actually happens.
Many speculate that the opposable thumb is indeed overrated but not many go so far as to test it out.


There's some speculation in the All-Blacks camp atm about including a little side trip to Wales during their November tour - after they annihilate the rest of the British Isles.
Apparently the Welsh have a hole in their schedule giving NZ a small opening to slaughter yet another NH minnow.

Totally unrelated to this I just noticed a page or so back that West Australian residents, much to my surprise, are apparently 'practically English'. I may have to put a little consideration into who I'm supporting this year. Could be a tough one. Hmmm.

Speaking of tough ones - Anybody want to take a guess on the possibility of a Leicester-Toulouse matchup in the next round of the HC?
The Waterloo of the rugby thread?


One rather pleasant thing I've found about working for a couple of hell-weeks is that it's a little easier to get annual leave afterwards.
With a little luck I'll probably see you all in another couple of weeks.

	03-02-2005 13:42									#319
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We will have to play a lot better against Leinster than we did against Quins to make that tie a reality.

And I look forward to NZ visiting Cardiff - I recall they had a truly thumping victory there last time right?

If Ireland are on that schedule as well they will certainly lose one game I suspect. The Lions tour will tell us all we need to know.

England have agreed a light Autumn schedule - Australia, NZ and Samoa in that order. Whats going on? Thats the second time is three years NZ are heading to twickers - have they lost count or something and think it's seven?

	03-02-2005 14:02									#320
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I'd forgotten about the result the last time we played in Wales.
Now I'm inclined to forget it again.


We grace you with our august presence at your little ground for the second time in 3 years and you poke fun?
Shame.
Count your blessings laddie.

	03-02-2005 16:06									#321
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Two Poms going at each other. Saves me the trouble.

	03-02-2005 18:09									#322
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Blessings counted - banter thoroughly enjoyed. And that game far better forgotten. Remember Paris instead.

Oh sorry Finbar was I supposed to carry on with it?

Tigers just signed a NZ born prop - that should keep Ravagon smiling for a while? More so the fact that I really don't have any idea what type of England side NZ will face in the autumn. There is a whole team out injured almost. Aspects of Saturdays side look really strong on paper - but that midfield gamble is worrying me more as the days pass.

	04-02-2005 03:14									#323
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I just realised that your Great White Hope opening bat, Mr Strauss, is South African-born. As is the chap who smashed a ton for you in the latest one day match over there. Ah well. If you can't breed 'em, import 'em.

	04-02-2005 04:39									#324
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quote: Originally posted by finbar Two Poms going at each other. Saves me the trouble.

I guess we'll find out in the next few months whether or not the old saying is true. You might be able to take the man out of Australia but you can never take the Australian out of the man.


[Edit: Hmmm. I read that France has apparently 'dropped' Michalak for their 6N opener against the Scots? A little over-confident perhaps?]

	04-02-2005 04:57									#325
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quote: Originally posted by ravagon I guess we'll find out in the next few months whether or not the old saying is true. You might be able to take the man out of Australia but you can never take the Australian out of the man.

You would be well advised to have a good lawyer...

quote: [Edit: Hmmm. I read that France has apparently 'dropped' Michalak for their 6N opener against the Scots? A little over-confident perhaps?]

You seem to be better informed than me on this ground, the latest information I had was that Frédéric Michalack was selected as fly-half as a possible replacement of Yann Delaigue.



You should have noted that I am not appearing here as often as I did before. One of the reasons is that I don't understand at all the policy of the French staff (and Mister Bernard Laporte in particular) and that I have consequently partially lost interest in the international level of the game of Rugby (another reason is that I don't have access to the Super12 and most of the Tri-Nation because it is broadcasted on private channels). How can brilliant players be so dull when they play in the French XV if not because they are forced to play in a way that don't fit them. What have you done of the "French flair" Mister Laporte? It seems that you killed it...

	04-02-2005 06:44									#326
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin You would be well advised to have a good lawyer...

No need for that. I am, however, becoming more proficient at screening my mail for explosive devices.

quote: You seem to be better informed than me on this ground, the latest information I had was that Frédéric Michalack was selected as fly-half as a possible replacement of Yann Delaigue.

Actually it seems that you are better informed than both the articles author and myself.
I didn't realise Yann was already expected to start. Michalak had supposedly been 'dropped' to the bench - something I find rather odd as I've always regarded him as one of Frances best.

	04-02-2005 13:12									#327
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quote: Originally posted by ravagon No need for that. I am, however, becoming more proficient at screening my mail for explosive devices.

You should...

quote: Actually it seems that you are better informed than both the articles author and myself. I didn't realise Yann was already expected to start. Michalak had supposedly been 'dropped' to the bench - something I find rather odd as I've always regarded him as one of Frances best.

I agree with you, Frédéric Michalack is certainly one of the most talented player of its generation though he has not always been able to express his full skill in the Laporte's system.

His performance against Béziers last week-end has been outstanding. A reason that would explain why he is not playing could be that he is coming back fron an injury and that the French staff would like to keep him for the "big" games to come.

	04-02-2005 14:46									#328
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quote: I just realised that your Great White Hope opening bat, Mr Strauss, is South African-born

Yes both he and Pieterson are. The clue is in the surname perhaps? Although both have English mothers and one was entirely raised here I believe.

But what can I say – after all the debates we have had on the subject you have converted me. Make the world English I say.

Our next step to world domination is North Auckland – after all Fijians are British anyway and the Kiwis only get them through residence.

France can do what they like against Scotland – the Scottish skipper is talking of targeting two wins (Italy and Wales) which is just the kind of defeatist nonsense that has made them so woeful. A third string French outfit would beat them. Even with the traditional raise of their game against the ‘auld enemy’ Scotland is one game I expect England to win comfortably.

I always thought of Michalack as being rather like Hodgson – clearly talented but badly deficient in various areas (particularly defence).

But then I’m probably just building atmosphere ahead of that potential Tigers clash with some French side whose name escapes me…

	04-02-2005 15:07									#329
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quote: Originally posted by Havak I always thought of Michalack as being rather like Hodgson – clearly talented but badly deficient in various areas (particularly defence).

Defence is exactly the area in which Frédéric Michalack has been very strong the last week-end, he has been very impressive indeed. The real "black point", as we say in France, are his kickings (though not the penalties and transformations).

quote: But then I’m probably just building atmosphere ahead of that potential Tigers clash with some French side whose name escapes me…

	04-02-2005 16:33									#330
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quote: Originally posted by Havak But what can I say – after all the debates we have had on the subject you have converted me.

quote: I always thought of Michalack as being rather like Hodgson – clearly talented but badly deficient in various areas (particularly defence).

Dunno about his defence, but he sure as hell can't kick. Conversions aside. As Tamerlin observed.