12-12-2004 07:12									#121
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quote: Originally posted by finbar EDIT. I also note that Toulouse reversed the result against Saints. As they should have! Now it's fingers crossed for Wasps to do the same against Tigers!

Stade Toulousain 22 - Northampton 12

Though it is an important victory for the Stade against a valliant English side the game was rather dull with Toulouse's backs unable to develop their game adequately. They lack the needed coordination and they really have to improve themselves as quickly as possible. Another problem is that Frédéric Michalack has been wounded and that its replacement, Jean-Frédéric Dubois, is not good at all. I have not seen him playing at his advantage since the beginning of the season.

[EDIT]I hate those xmas smilies, as if we could forget... [/EDIT]

	12-12-2004 16:38									#122
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Finbar, you can visit Stardock's site if you want a detailed description of Altarian Prophecy and its features.

	12-12-2004 20:12									#123
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Me? Or ravagon?

I just tuned in to the broadcast of Leicester -v- Wasps on the BBC website. After 9 minutes, Leicester lead 13-0.

	13-12-2004 04:40									#124
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Well, I thought listening to the match was probably jinxing my good friend, the thoughtful and modest The Nose's team, so I went to bed. They still lost 27-35. That's it, Nose. They honeymoon is over.

	13-12-2004 14:38									#125
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Never back teams visiting Welford Road Finbar. The odds are against you.

Tigers saw off Wasps 35-27. Another great game. Another post match whine by DayGlo. Normal service all around.

Toulouse never got out of first gear but those forwards were just too much for poor old Saints. Toulouse played a little rocket on the left wing who looked dangerous every time he got the ball.

quote: Besides, I think the carry on between them from the Lions trip is old hat now.

Not for Lions fans. He should have been red carded in the ACT game (dangerous hat throwing) and we will never forgive him.

I quite like him actually – but lets not get confused and think he has his temper under control – he is a pot constantly waiting to boil.

quote: Yes, we traditionally lift, but the performance fitted an odd autumn pattern.

I just wish that one year you would lift against the ABs or France – and give us a break (sound of violins in the background?)

quote: In other words, there was potential for the community to embrace the team. Which is the story of the ACT Brumbies.

I’m looking forward to it. I wonder if there are four S14 class hookers in the country? Have NZ got the other new franchise?

quote: You may have seen them, gloves with cut fingers ("mitaines") that are supposed to let you better grip the ball. On the hands of a prop. Lots of fun commenting these under the scrum.

I almost feel sorry for the chap! Almost…

	13-12-2004 16:26									#126
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Never back teams visiting Welford Road Finbar. The odds are against you.

Were you there? I could've sworn I heard someone in the background of the commentary calling out something about Dorothy.

quote: Tigers saw off Wasps 35-27. Another great game. Another post match whine by DayGlo. Normal service all around.

They sounded scarily good in the first ten minutes. That's why I had to go to bed. Although I did emit a small cheer when someone passed it to VD on the wing and missed him completely.

quote: Not for Lions fans. He should have been red carded in the ACT game (dangerous hat throwing) and we will never forgive him.

Lions fans? Tish tosh.

quote: I quite like him actually – but lets not get confused and think he has his temper under control – he is a pot constantly waiting to boil.

I think he can control it. He did against England. He went very close to losing it but kept it. He was motivated to beat England. Which isn't to say he won't lose it in the future. Of course he will.

quote: I just wish that one year you would lift against the ABs or France – and give us a break (sound of violins in the background?)

Against the ABs, we have and will again. The French are different for some reason. There isn't the same pathological need. There isn't a history.

quote: I’m looking forward to it. I wonder if there are four S14 class hookers in the country? Have NZ got the other new franchise?

Who knows whether there are enough of various positions? Especially front rows. There will certainly be enough centres and backs. Tons of them. The Boks have the extra team. I remember reading that one of their current franchises - I forget which - will split into two. It's currently made up of two areas (provinces, whatever) who, historically, aren't the best of mates.

	13-12-2004 16:38									#127
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Toulouse never got out of first gear but those forwards were just too much for poor old Saints. Toulouse played a little rocket on the left wing who looked dangerous every time he got the ball.

Yep, it's a pity the backs are not as good as the forwards.

The little rocket you are writing about is named Cédric Heymans and produces an outstanding performance everytime he is playing.

	13-12-2004 17:14									#128
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You mean he looks like a banana? Mmmm. Anyway, didn't he play against the Wallabies? If he's the one I think he is, he's very careless with his boots in close proximity to his opponents' bodies.

	13-12-2004 18:44									#129
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quote: Originally posted by finbar You mean he looks like a banana? Mmmm. Anyway, didn't he play against the Wallabies? If he's the one I think he is, he's very careless with his boots in close proximity to his opponents' bodies.

Don't know what you are talking about...

	13-12-2004 19:23									#130
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I was at the game. Whilst I did consider throwing the odd ‘Dorothy’s friend’ at Lawrence I eventually settled for shorter (and harsher) phrases.

Tigers were in total control for the first 30 mins. Then suddenly we tried to run the ball from our 22, a certain Mr Gibson tried to chip the oncoming Tom Voyce but got no height to the kick so a grateful Voyce plucked the ball and ran straight through for a try. Cue a wobbly period until two quickfire tries just before half time. The second half was tense and Tigers were well off the pace going forward making error after error in promising positions – Jonno was an angry man in the post match interview as the pack had to work hard in defence with so much turnover ball.

quote: The French are different for some reason. There isn't the same pathological need. There isn't a history.

Then we must work to create one.

Heymans – that is the chap yes. Hasn’t scored a try all year in the French league – but looks like he should have scored loads.

I also enjoyed seeing an Irishman famed for dishing out mayhem packing down for Toulouse – one Trevor Brennan.

	13-12-2004 23:11									#131
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Heymans – that is the chap yes. Hasn’t scored a try all year in the French league – but looks like he should have scored loads.

Are you sure he didn't score any try?

Cédric Heymans has lacked some luck saturday, he should have scored at least one try.

Whatever the case he has allowed so many players to score tries thanks to his runs and his creative play that he should actually be credited many ones.

quote: I also enjoyed seeing an Irishman famed for dishing out mayhem packing down for Toulouse – one Trevor Brennan.

Trevor Brennan is a tough player I agree but he is also invaluable when comes the time to use the "big ones" in a hard fought game.

	14-12-2004 03:26									#132
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin Don't know what you are talking about...

Ask Steve Larkham! Heymans went in with the boots when Larkham was on the ground trying to recover a loose ball.

	14-12-2004 03:31									#133
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quote: Originally posted by Havak I was at the game. Whilst I did consider throwing the odd ‘Dorothy’s friend’ at Lawrence I eventually settled for shorter (and harsher) phrases.

Four letters, starts with "c", ends with "t", with a "u" and an "n" in there somewhere might have had more impact than "Dorothy"!

quote: Tigers were in total control for the first 30 mins. Then suddenly we tried to run the ball from our 22, a certain Mr Gibson tried to chip the oncoming Tom Voyce but got no height to the kick so a grateful Voyce plucked the ball and ran straight through for a try. Cue a wobbly period until two quickfire tries just before half time. The second half was tense and Tigers were well off the pace going forward making error after error in promising positions – Jonno was an angry man in the post match interview as the pack had to work hard in defence with so much turnover ball.

Mmmm. If I'd known they were going to struggle at any point, I'd've stayed up and listened. It sounded like a rout was in the offing.

quote: Then we must work to create one.

Well, we've saved les grenouilles' backsides in two wars, I suppose there's a residual sympathy thing going on.

	14-12-2004 07:00									#134
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More fallout from the Saints loss to Toulouse

http://www.planetrugby.com/Tourname...ory_40561.shtml

Saints are not happy chappies by the sounds of things. Still at least they were taking it out on each other rather than endangering Anglo-French relations I guess ...


Incidentally, @ the "Frog and Rosbif". I wouldn't have guessed that such a place would be so named - although I guess with the sheer number of England-France events it'd probably do a thriving trade.

quote: Originally posted by finbar Well, we've saved les grenouilles' backsides in two wars, I suppose there's a residual sympathy thing going on.

We?
You're becoming an American now?
It's getting so hard to keep track of these things ...

Oh, sorry, let me clarify ... 'It'z gettin' so hard to keep track of theze thingz'.



Gracias Tamerlin. I'd already gone through reviews and their site ad but couldn't make my mind up.

quote: Originally posted by LDiCesare It's worth buying if you like scenarios or large maps with many races (you can have up to 7). I'm not sure it adds much more to the game. There are new ships, but I personally never saw/used them, so that didn't add much to the game or me. I'd suggest playing the original galciv first and but the expansion only if you feel like starting the campaign.

Just ordered it.

Incidentally GalCiv2 is sounding rather promising ...

	14-12-2004 14:46									#135
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quote: Are you sure he didn't score any try?

According to the English commentary team on Sky he scored ten tries last season – but none so far this season in the League. He may have scored in Europe?

quote: Trevor Brennan is a tough player I agree but he is also invaluable when comes the time to use the "big ones" in a hard fought game.

That he is – but to liken him to Harrison, the lad I discuss with Finbar regularly, Trevor is pretty similar but with much less self control.

quote: Ask Steve Larkham! Heymans went in with the boots when Larkham was on the ground trying to recover a loose ball.

The same Larkham who tackled Ben Cohen blatantly off the ball and got a mouthful of stud? I would have thought a little raking is nothing after that?

quote: Four letters, starts with "c", ends with "t", with a "u" and an "n" in there somewhere might have had more impact than "Dorothy"!

There are kids in the stands. So it was six letters starting in “W” and ending in “r”. Only using the Cockney rhyming slang version for the kiddies sake. Same for Dawson.

quote: Mmmm. If I'd known they were going to struggle at any point, I'd've stayed up and listened. It sounded like a rout was in the offing.

It was I think – take away a blood injury to Rowntree in the first half and that daft Gibson chip and it might have been a mountain for them by half time instead of just foothills.

quote: Saints are not happy chappies by the sounds of things. Still at least they were taking it out on each other rather than endangering Anglo-French relations I guess ...

It’s very hard for me to feel sorry for them. That would be like Finbar empathising with a North Queenslander.

The Frog and Rosbiff is part of a national chain IIRC – I’m sure I went in one in Paris called almost exactly the same – and there were several others with similar names. The beer is quite good too.

No I know I may have mentioned before that I do not like the chairman of Saracens. It came as no surprise to me therefore that Kafer is about to be dismissed as todays newspapers are suggesting the Aussie Lardy boy, who joined them as a player-coach in 2003 after being dismissed by Tigers (thank god), will leave Vicarage Road soon.

That Saracens chairman, Nigel Wray, recently walked out of Sarries' 40-10 defeat by Harlequins. I laughed myself silly.

And Kafer has apparently been linked with the new Perth-based Super 12 franchise. Look out Perth – well drilled defence and no attack at all awaits your back line!!

	14-12-2004 15:15									#136
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quote: Originally posted by Havak That he is – but to liken him to Harrison, the lad I discuss with Finbar regularly, Trevor is pretty similar but with much less self control.

Good grief.

quote: The same Larkham who tackled Ben Cohen blatantly off the ball and got a mouthful of stud? I would have thought a little raking is nothing after that?

If only it were raking. It wasn't. Larkham went after the ball on the ground. Shortly after, la grenouille decided he'd go for the ball with his boots. Sliding in feet first.

quote: There are kids in the stands. So it was six letters starting in “W” and ending in “r”. Only using the Cockney rhyming slang version for the kiddies sake. Same for Dawson.

Rugby ... the gentlemen's game.

quote: No I know I may have mentioned before that I do not like the chairman of Saracens. It came as no surprise to me therefore that Kafer is about to be dismissed as todays newspapers are suggesting the Aussie Lardy boy, who joined them as a player-coach in 2003 after being dismissed by Tigers (thank god), will leave Vicarage Road soon. That Saracens chairman, Nigel Wray, recently walked out of Sarries' 40-10 defeat by Harlequins. I laughed myself silly. And Kafer has apparently been linked with the new Perth-based Super 12 franchise. Look out Perth – well drilled defence and no attack at all awaits your back line!!

His name's been mentioned, just as it was for the Brumbies job. Importantly, though, his lousy record with Saracens has also been mentioned. All sorts of names are being bandied around. Even "Knuckles" Connolly. One interesting name is Michael Cheika, currently coaching Randwick in the Sydney club comp. Won the comp by a country mile this season. He and his assistant, David Knox - former Brumbies and Wallaby #10, and a wonderfully gifted player - have turned into a formidable coaching unit. Randwick just keeps churning 'em out - players and coaches.

I note that the Kiwis have denied they are planning a joint bid with Japan for the 2011 World Cup. The Japanese must be hoping the Kiwis come on board. It would just about guarantee the Japanese winning sole hosting rights.

	14-12-2004 22:42									#137
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quote: Originally posted by ravagon Incidentally, @ the "Frog and Rosbif".

It happens that I live a few meters away from the said Frog&Rosbif and that some friends and I were discussing at home when we heard some loud voices in the street around 1 a.m. or so. We thought it was just another drunkard's fight.

quote: Gracias Tamerlin.

De nada!

	15-12-2004 14:34									#138
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Tamerlin lives near the Frog and Rosbiff?

Right everyone we descend on Tamerlin for a home European leg of his choice in fall 2005? You will find me at the bar.

quote: Good grief.

No stranger to the citing process is young Trevor.

quote: Shortly after, la grenouille decided he'd go for the ball with his boots. Sliding in feet first.

That’s different then – baseball slides are lethal and you cannot claim lack of intent. Why was he not cited?

quote: Rugby ... the gentlemen's game.[/quotew] As played by Lawyers, Doctors and Merchant Bankers (step forward Larry). [quote] Importantly, though, his lousy record with Saracens has also been mentioned.

Don’t judge him too harshly on that – Sarries is a poison chalice. Super expensive squad – but it has never melded into a team under any coach. And frankly I don’t think a former Sale number two coach can change that.

What Rod should be criticised for is not keeping himself in shape during his pension years and for being damn useless going forward – a bit fatal when you wear 12.

quote: Randwick just keeps churning 'em out - players and coaches.

I hereby appoint them the honourary title of Randwick Tigers.

quote: The Japanese must be hoping the Kiwis come on board. It would just about guarantee the Japanese winning sole hosting rights

I hope the Kiwi lads can look at their own Union and laugh – it does make the ARU and RFU look real Pro’s most of the time.

I can just imagine that the current hot project at NZRFU after the France game is the building of the marble backed cabinet to hold ‘William’ in from 2007. Wonder if France will be able to get a good deal on that after the tournament?

My money is on France at least turning up next time the ABs visit. Of course it is traditional after a big win for NZ not to play you again for four years…

	15-12-2004 15:39									#139
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Tamerlin lives near the Frog and Rosbiff? Right everyone we descend on Tamerlin for a home European leg of his choice in fall 2005? You will find me at the bar.

You have to hurry up, I have to move to another place by the end of April!

quote: That’s different then – baseball slides are lethal and you cannot claim lack of intent. Why was he not cited?

His "crampons" were dirty, you must admit it is useless to clean them on the grass and that it is not fair to use the shirts of your team mates!

quote: My money is on France at least turning up next time the ABs visit. Of course it is traditional after a big win for NZ not to play you again for four years…

	15-12-2004 16:18									#140
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Tamerlin lives near the Frog and Rosbiff? Right everyone we descend on Tamerlin for a home European leg of his choice in fall 2005? You will find me at the bar.

We fully intend to pop across from Italy to visit him next year. Of course, I note elsewhere on this page that he intends to move next year. Anything to avoid buying me a glass of Absinthe! We might even find the funds to pop across to Leicester too!

quote: That’s different then – baseball slides are lethal and you cannot claim lack of intent. Why was he not cited?

Larkham jumped up and remonstrated and Heymans was penalised. That was the end of the matter.

quote: Don’t judge him too harshly on that – Sarries is a poison chalice. Super expensive squad – but it has never melded into a team under any coach. And frankly I don’t think a former Sale number two coach can change that.

Mmmm. Anyway, Michael Cheika seems to be the favourite at the moment.

quote: What Rod should be criticised for is not keeping himself in shape during his pension years and for being damn useless going forward – a bit fatal when you wear 12.

You mean he was damn useless going forward? He must really have lost fitness. He was never blessed with a lot of speed - his nickname is/was "Tugboat" - but he never had any trouble ploughing forward.

quote: I hereby appoint them the honourary title of Randwick Tigers.

They have much in common.

quote: I hope the Kiwi lads can look at their own Union and laugh – it does make the ARU and RFU look real Pro’s most of the time.

I think the NZRFU is pretty much a bunch of fresh faces after the World Cup debacle. It'll be interesting to see if they've woken up.

quote: My money is on France at least turning up next time the ABs visit. Of course it is traditional after a big win for NZ not to play you again for four years…

The Lions tour is obviously going to be the big test for the ABs. It will take gumption. Something they haven't really shown for ten years. Could they come back from one down like we did?

	15-12-2004 16:22									#141
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin You have to hurry up, I have to move to another place by the end of April!

That'd be right! We drive in one end of your street as your removalist's van drives out the other end!

quote: His "crampons" were dirty, you must admit it is useless to clean them on the grass and that it is not fair to use the shirts of your team mates!

I can only quote you back at yourself:

quote:

	15-12-2004 16:22									#142
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quote: Originally posted by finbar I fully intend to pop across from Italy to visit him next year. Of course, I note elsewhere on this page that he intends to move next year. Anything to avoid buying me a glass of Absinthe! I might even fund the funds to pop across to Leicester too!

No need to say I will stay in Toulouse. There is no chance I will move away from the most beautiful place in the world and the greatest Rugby team in the whole universe.

quote: Larkham jumped up and remonstrated and Heymans was penalised. That was the end of the matter.

Traditional punishment for this kind of fouls in the SH and in the UK.

	15-12-2004 16:24									#143
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin There is no chance I will move away from ... the greatest Rugby team in the whole universe.

I didn't know you lived here in Australia.

quote: Traditional punishment for this kind of fouls in the SH and in the UK.

	16-12-2004 09:22									#144
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Finbar,

I have just finished to watch at Magnolia by P.T Anderson. Brilliant movie, have you seen it?

	16-12-2004 09:39									#145
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Yes, I saw it when it was first released. Terrific film. "Punch Drunk Love", a film Anderson made a few years later, is very good too. It has Adam Sandler in it, but don't let that put you off. It's Adam Sandler like you've never seen him before. You should watch it too.

	16-12-2004 14:13									#146
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quote: Anything to avoid buying me a glass of Absinthe! We might even find the funds to pop across to Leicester too!

We may even pull in a game in the Soccer stadium – there will be plenty of seats.

quote: Anyway, Michael Cheika seems to be the favourite at the moment.

Rod still has a chance – he has experience of where in the table the franchise is likely to spend it’s time.

quote: He was never blessed with a lot of speed - his nickname is/was "Tugboat" - but he never had any trouble ploughing forward.

He never impressed at it at Tigers.

quote: They have much in common.

In that they understand the roots of the game – and the spirit it should be played in?

quote: It will take gumption. Something they haven't really shown for ten years. Could they come back from one down like we did?

Well they could yes – if Clive shows the same stubbornness Henry did of playing ‘man to the plan’ not ‘plan to the man’. You catch my drift? It will be harder for them as the NZRFU sponsors cannot afford a free hat and scarf for everyone going to the game (Vodafone became very unpopular with rugger fans here after doing that – it is a Brit company after all).

quote: I didn't know you lived here in Australia.

He doesn’t – he clearly lives in Leicestershire.

Not sure I got the point about the Heymans penalty though – he would have ceded a penalty for a slide in the UK yes – and so he should.

Trivia for you – my sixteen-year-old niece has a crush on Adam Sandler – resulting in the spectacle of Havak shopping for Sandler DVDs (the shame of it…)

	16-12-2004 16:45									#147
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Rod still has a chance – he has experience of where in the table the franchise is likely to spend it’s time.

Nuh. That's reserved for a couple of the Boks teams every year. And they've got an extra team now, so that makes three on the bottom!

quote: In that they understand the roots of the game – and the spirit it should be played in?

And very closeknit. Apart from the occasional civil war. Ironically, Randwick also had an off year last year.

quote: Well they could yes – if Clive shows the same stubbornness Henry did of playing ‘man to the plan’ not ‘plan to the man’. You catch my drift?

Yes I do. It will also be an interesting test of Clive's coaching abilities. After all, we all know who led the England team while he was coaching, who managed them on the field, and who singlehandedly earned Clive the kudos.

quote: It will be harder for them as the NZRFU sponsors cannot afford a free hat and scarf for everyone going to the game (Vodafone became very unpopular with rugger fans here after doing that – it is a Brit company after all).

The NZRFU hand out free black outfits and signs to the crowds. Vodafone became very unpopular here, too, after that stupid sponsored streaking incident.

quote: Not sure I got the point about the Heymans penalty though – he would have ceded a penalty for a slide in the UK yes – and so he should.

I think he was responding to your point about being cited for the offence. That a penalty was sufficient.

quote: Trivia for you – my sixteen-year-old niece has a crush on Adam Sandler – resulting in the spectacle of Havak shopping for Sandler DVDs (the shame of it…)

Send your secretary to do it. Or the office junior. She has a crush on him at 16 years of age? Good grief. His target audience is 10 year olds. Anyway, he's very very good in the film I was talking about. Because someone else had written for him and directed him and tapped acting ability I didn't know he had.

	16-12-2004 23:13									#148
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Trivia for you – my sixteen-year-old niece has a crush on Adam Sandler – resulting in the spectacle of Havak shopping for Sandler DVDs (the shame of it…)

You clearly need to be booed for this one...

BOOOOOOO!!!

	17-12-2004 07:03									#149
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Leicester coach John Wells believes captain Martin Johnson will retire at the end of the season.

"If you see the form he is in, you may think that he can play on for another season," Wells told Radio Leicester.

"But it is the mark of the man that this might be his last. I think he might say 'I'm going to sit back, take it easy and spend my lovely money.'"

'Twill be a sad day.

	17-12-2004 15:34									#150
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quote: And they've got an extra team now, so that makes three on the bottom!

I reckon you may be right – but Perth might fight to get in there. As you say where are the front row forwards coming from?

Wonder what the franchise will be called – Perth Possums?

quote: And very closeknit. Apart from the occasional civil war. Ironically, Randwick also had an off year last year.

I just hope they aren’t playing in an Aussie rules stadium?

quote: After all, we all know who led the England team while he was coaching, who managed them on the field, and who singlehandedly earned Clive the kudos.

I think I know who it was.

quote: The NZRFU hand out free black outfits and signs to the crowds.

Do they? Shame on them! The RFU knows the Prawn sandwich brigade will pay for any old tat on match day. Did you know they make a Polo shirt for every Twickers fixture – wonder how well the Aussie one sold this year?

quote: I think he was responding to your point about being cited for the offence. That a penalty was sufficient.

Ah right! Personally I am not sure it was – leading with studs is damn dangerous.

quote: She has a crush on him at 16 years of age? Good grief. His target audience is 10 year olds.

She is a very young 16 bless her. I can’t stand him myself so it’s unlikely I will pluck up courage to see that worthy movie. And I normally order DVDs from the internet so that they arrive in discrete packaging. This was an emergency shop – and I certainly don’t want the office knowing I buy Adam Sandler DVDs at all.

quote: You clearly need to be booed for this one...

Guilty as charged – I have to take this on the chin.

quote: 'Twill be a sad day.

It will be very emotionally charged – we may be saying farewell to him and the ground on the same day. I strongly suspect that if we do win silverware he will indeed retire. And that worries me – because he is the very heart of the team. Where does the next talisman come from?

Did you catch his pragmatic reply to the journalists who pressed him on the issue?

“I don't know. And if I did, I wouldn't tell you here, at this point in the season.”

And on the Lions

“If you retire from international rugby, you know what you're getting into - or rather, you know what you're getting out of.”

All seems rather like he is thinking of retirement full stop. But then better out at the top than do a Dayglo?

*edit* Checking I see that our last home league game of the season is against Wasps on April 30th. If we (hopefully) top the table after that game it will be out last homegame of the season - and Jonno's possible farewell. That would, I think, be pretty perfect.