20-04-2005 05:47									#211
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He is being serious. I think wally is putting it mildly.

If the news last night was anything to go by Perth is indeed targetting Henjak. Rathbone too, apparently.
I wonder how long it'll take the ARU to figure out that their policy of discouraging S14 recruitment from outside the pool of players eligible to play for the Wallabies just wasn't a very good idea.
Personally, given the makeup of the WA population (supposedly over 50% are not actually from WA), I would've liked to see as much diversity as possible - Put together a core group of internationals late in their careers just to get things rolling - a few each Boks, Kiwi's, a few more Pacific Islanders, a smattering from the British Isles perhaps and at least one player from either France/Italy/Argentina just for the flair/diversity factor.
There would've been time to develop local talent and slowly integrate more Australian players over the next few years as the starting lineup gradually retired ...

quote: Your colleague actually means that as a compliment – it’s one of the greatest we can give in fact. They must like you.

Mmmm ... I probably don't want to know what you lot call someone you don't like then?

	20-04-2005 10:23									#212
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Changing the Wallaby-eligible requirement for Oz S12 (or S14) teams is a road best not travelled, methinks. The strength of a national team is contingent upon the pool of available talent, and, more importantly, the competition between that talent for a place in the national team. Competition between players for advancement improves them. Allowing non-eligible players into the mix only dilutes it.

The existence of the Perth franchise is predicated on the ARU's argument that Australia had the player depth - locally-based and/or overseas-based - to support an extra franchise. I've never been as sure as the ARU are of their argument. We shall see.

	20-04-2005 12:00									#213
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I guess it depends upon ones point of view really. IMO 'diluting' the pool of players eligible for selection with a group of high quality, albeit non-eligible players, while it will effectively reduce the total pool of new local players in competition, will increase their quality to a greater degree.
ie: pretty much the same argument that the second echelon international sides have been using for years now applies here too.

As it is now though, by basically forcing recruiting from the eastern sides, while they are increasing the total number of eligible players, I can't really see that they're adding as much.
Afterall if it were just a matter of putting more players in I'd've thought the Reds would've tried to recuit from farther afield (ie: WA, SA, etc) long ago to try and eke their way out of the doldrums at the bottom of the table.
The cost, of effectively gutting the Reds, probably kneecapping the Brumbies and I'd guess the Warratahs may lose a toe or two as well before all's said and done, may end up being rather high for your domestic teams.
The former may not be much of a loss but if the two quality teams suffer some lean years as a consequence I can't see it going down too well.
In any case though, it's done and, as you say, we shall see.
I'd guess there might be a few local WA lads 'competing' for Wallaby places in as few as 3-5 years but that's a shot in the dark...


Hey Havak, you can wipe that look of glee off your face at the thought of the All-Blacks crushing an under-strength Welsh side. The IRB has officially sanctioned the match now so they should (potentially) be at full strength come Nov 5th.

	20-04-2005 13:37									#214
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Destined I feel to rapidly go the way of such inspired marketing ideas as ‘Gloucester Gladiators’ and ‘Rotherham Titans’ (talk about misnomers!).

quote: Put together a core group of internationals late in their careers just to get things rolling - a few each Boks, Kiwi's, a few more Pacific Islanders, a smattering from the British Isles perhaps and at least one player from either France/Italy/Argentina just for the flair/diversity factor.

The problem is last time we looked at average salaries S12 was paying significantly less on average than a Premiership contract – and that for makeweight players. Fine there are less games but that would probably mean patched up end of career UK players heading for the franchise so they didn’t have to play too often – surely not good for Perth. Boks, Islanders and Kiwis is a good idea – I have never liked Australias closed franchises. there are dangers to changing it though - but as they will only weaken Australia I am not too bothered about that.

quote: Mmmm ... I probably don't want to know what you lot call someone you don't like then?

Typically? Welsh. Or French. And if we really dislike you then Aussie of course. And having offended the entire thread I now move swiftly on.

quote: The strength of a national team is contingent upon the pool of available talent, and, more importantly, the competition between that talent for a place in the national team. Competition between players for advancement improves them. Allowing non-eligible players into the mix only dilutes it.

Simply look at the English Premiership and the shortage of English centres playing in it for supporting evidence of Finbar’s point.

A delicate balance is needed if you open up your franchises. There is no doubt that the foreign talent in our game over the last decade did help advance the national game considerably as it went Professional. It needs watching though or Perth will end up like London Irish – a foreign legion not providing a single player to any home nation in the 6N – and therefore not helping the UK game at all.

quote: The IRB has officially sanctioned the match now so they should (potentially) be at full strength come Nov 5th.

The problem is the IRB sanction just makes it a test match. It has no bearing on existing agreements with the clubs about International windows. To clarify my point the Lions versus Argentina game in May is a sanctioned game – but the French league is still playing so Gareth Thomas and Stephen Jones will not be released because it isn’t being played during the International windows negotiated with the member Unions.

I therefore maintain that French and English clubs will not release players for it – and that means an AB landslide (lets face it on the back on a Lions series defeat and coming third in the tri-nations the ABs will be a dangerously wounded animal so Wales are in for a backlash).

	20-04-2005 13:43									#215
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quote: Originally posted by ravagon I guess it depends upon ones point of view really. IMO 'diluting' the pool of players eligible for selection with a group of high quality, albeit non-eligible players, while it will effectively reduce the total pool of new local players in competition, will increase their quality to a greater degree.

How will it increase their quality?

quote: As it is now though, by basically forcing recruiting from the eastern sides, while they are increasing the total number of eligible players, I can't really see that they're adding as much. Afterall if it were just a matter of putting more players in I'd've thought the Reds would've tried to recuit from farther afield (ie: WA, SA, etc) long ago to try and eke their way out of the doldrums at the bottom of the table. The cost, of effectively gutting the Reds, probably kneecapping the Brumbies and I'd guess the Warratahs may lose a toe or two as well before all's said and done, may end up being rather high for your domestic teams. The former may not be much of a loss but if the two quality teams suffer some lean years as a consequence I can't see it going down too well.

The reality is that, ultimately, there are only two sources of rugby players in this country - Sydney club rugby and Brisbane club rugby. Canberra has a healthy club comp, but on a much smaller scale. The Reds, Waratahs and Brumbies source their players from mainly Sydney and Brisbane clubs. That's one of our problems in this country - Victoria, WA, SA and Tasmania's club comps are very, very small beer. Very enthusiastic, but very limited.

So the question is this: are there enough players in two and a half club comps to populate four S14 franchises? Given that a franchise list is, I think, about 32 or 33 players. The ARU thinks there are. The ARU thinks there are players good enough for S12 but unable to secure contracts because the existing franchises have filled their player quotas. They also think there are overseas-based local players who could (or might) return to add to the numbers.

As we agree, we shall see.

quote: I'd guess there might be a few local WA lads 'competing' for Wallaby places in as few as 3-5 years but that's a shot in the dark...

That has to be one of the aims. How long it will take is another matter.

quote: Hey Havak, you can wipe that look of glee off your face at the thought of the All-Blacks crushing an under-strength Welsh side. The IRB has officially sanctioned the match now so they should (potentially) be at full strength come Nov 5th.

His East Midlands grin will only widen because he will now anticipate the ABs crushing a full-strength Taffy team.

	20-04-2005 17:21									#216
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Perth have signed Waratahs 5/8 Lachie Mackay. That's a coup, if not a total surprise. Very good young player, tall and muscular for a 5/8, built like a centre, former Wallaby U21 skipper. He's been one of the keys to the Waratahs' success this year with great drive and distribution. The Waratahs will be immensely p*ssed off to lose him.

	20-04-2005 17:49									#217
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quote: Originally posted by Havak edit...........(lets face it on the back on a Lions series defeat and coming third in the tri-nations the ABs will be a dangerously wounded animal so Wales are in for a backlash).

Oh ye of little faith

	20-04-2005 19:07									#218
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As usual I have to post way after the fact now that my TV coverage is so delayed.

When was the last time the Brumbies lost four in a row Finbar? Has it ever happened before?

The name of that new WA Super 12 team sounds stupid. The least they could do is come up with a name that is plural! Also, I don't think Australia has enough talent to go around for another Super 12 team. The Force will end up being the whipping boys at the bottom of the table with the Cats.

	21-04-2005 04:09									#219
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The Brumbies lost four in a row in 2002 but recovered to make the grand final. With Gregan now out for four to six weeks, on top of the other injuries, it's hard to see that sort of recovery this year.

	21-04-2005 05:29									#220
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quote: Originally posted by Havak The problem is last time we looked at average salaries S12 was paying significantly less on average than a Premiership contract – and that for makeweight players. Fine there are less games but that would probably mean patched up end of career UK players heading for the franchise so they didn’t have to play too often – surely not good for Perth.

Well, the salary issue I have no answer for. That was a bit of an issue even for domestic players iirc. I was actually thinking primarily of imports in the late twilights of their careers though. Just for a couple of seasons to give the team a kick to start with so to speak.

quote: Typically? Welsh. Or French. And if we really dislike you then Aussie of course. And having offended the entire thread I now move swiftly on.

You did realise that was supposed to be rhetorical didn't you?
Yes, rereading it I'm quite sure you probably did.

quote: Simply look at the English Premiership and the shortage of English centres playing in it for supporting evidence of Finbar’s point. A delicate balance is needed if you open up your franchises. There is no doubt that the foreign talent in our game over the last decade did help advance the national game considerably as it went Professional. It needs watching though or Perth will end up like London Irish – a foreign legion not providing a single player to any home nation in the 6N – and therefore not helping the UK game at all.

If you're talking soccer here then yes I agree but you also have to consider English players in the other European leagues. Bekham, for example may not be a major part of the EPL anymore but that has little bearing on his England status.
I'm not so sure that's easily comparable quite honestly due to the absolutely enormous focus on soccer in Europe. European clubs really do rule the soccer world (unlike rugby ).
I don't think you could argue that the dispersion of players has seriously hurt the English national side either. They may not have actually won the WC since the late 60's iirc but they've been right up there almost every time.

quote: The problem is the IRB sanction just makes it a test match. It has no bearing on existing agreements with the clubs about International windows.

Didn't realise that. I was under the impression that gave a national side the ability to override domestic clubs.

quote: ... (lets face it on the back on a Lions series defeat and coming third in the tri-nations the ABs will be a dangerously wounded animal so Wales are in for a backlash).

Is that what I look like when I post before I've woken up?

	21-04-2005 05:52									#221
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quote: Originally posted by finbar How will it increase their quality?

I was thinking of it from the point of view of a national competition - forgetting that you don't have one.
More quality players -> tougher opposition for the east coast provincial teams (and hopefully the west coast players learning more from their own imports). I'm not that familiar with the London Irish (I'll take Havak's word for their diverse composition) but I imagine they at least provide a better level of opposition for the rest of the club sides?
Given that you have quality opponents already though in many of the other S12/14 sides (shut up Havak) it may be a moot point.

quote: So the question is this: are there enough players in two and a half club comps to populate four S14 franchises? Given that a franchise list is, I think, about 32 or 33 players. The ARU thinks there are. The ARU thinks there are players good enough for S12 but unable to secure contracts because the existing franchises have filled their player quotas. They also think there are overseas-based local players who could (or might) return to add to the numbers.

I hadn't realised there was quite such a shortage of local clubs in the other states. Had there been such a surplus of talent the Reds, having more to gain than either of the others, surely would have done a better job of taking advantage of it...

Mackay is a surprise. I've been keeping what I thought was a fairly close eye on most of the candidates and I hadn't heard his name come up.
Of course that was probably the idea ...

	21-04-2005 05:57									#222
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quote: Originally posted by Caligastia The Force will end up being the whipping boys at the bottom of the table with the Cats.

I don't have terribly high hopes for the first season or two but with the amount of poaching going on they might well come up with a reasonable stable of players and finish somewhere in the middle if they're (extremely) lucky.
Of course at the moment it's looking as though that'll be to the detriment of most of the other Australian teams ...

	21-04-2005 06:21									#223
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quote: Originally posted by ravagon Well, the salary issue I have no answer for. That was a bit of an issue even for domestic players iirc. I was actually thinking primarily of imports in the late twilights of their careers though. Just for a couple of seasons to give the team a kick to start with so to speak.

You couldn't create an exemption for one franchise. It would have to apply across the board. But Havak's point - lower wages attracting lower quality players - is a very good one, and as strong an argument against the notion as the dilution argument.

Mackay is just a big a signing for Perth as Nathan Sharpe. Perhaps, in a way, even bigger. It's known that Sharpe signed for a huge financial package underpinned by private money. Cannon signed because he knew his days as starting hooker with the Waratahs were numbered. Mackay won't be earning much more than he has been with the Waratahs. And he would have remained the starting 5/8 for the Waratahs, so a guaranteed starting role wouldn't have been a major factor - as it could be with someone like Matt Henjak. And the Waratahs were a known quantity, having their best season for a decade, while Perth are an utterly unknown quantity, possibly even a disaster waiting to happen. So why did he sign? The challenge. And he's a good enough player - a very promising player - for his decision perhaps to sway some other players in similar situations.

In short, Perth will build a strong central core. Where I think they might struggle is in the back-ups. They've already made it hard for themselves by deciding not to release back-ups to return to their Sydney or Brisbane club rugby comps, which is what the other franchises do. It keeps the back-ups fit and practising. Perth will have them sitting around twiddling their thumbs. Not a sensible decision.

quote: If you're talking soccer here then yes I agree but you also have to consider English players in the other European leagues. Bekham, for example may not be a major part of the EPL anymore but that has little bearing on his England status. I'm not so sure that's easily comparable quite honestly due to the absolutely enormous focus on soccer in Europe. European clubs really do rule the soccer world (unlike rugby ). I don't think you could argue that the dispersion of players has seriously hurt the English national side either. They may not have actually won the WC since the late 60's iirc but they've been right up there almost every time.

No, he's talking about English rugby. The influx of foreign players into the premier club comp has hindered the development of England-eligible players. Havak mentions the lack of quality England-eligible centres, I'd add the lack of quality England-eligible breakaways to the list. It's the same problem that haunted English cricket for so many years - counties playing experienced imports for short-term premiership gain instead of developing local talent. Their cricket admins have addressed the problem by (a) strictly limiting the imports; and (b) introducing an Academy based on the Australian one. As Havak says, it's a fine line - good foreign players can lift a standard and also educate the local talent - but it's a line far too easy to cross.

	21-04-2005 06:54									#224
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quote: Originally posted by ravagon I'm not that familiar with the London Irish (I'll take Havak's word for their diverse composition) but I imagine they at least provide a better level of opposition for the rest of the club sides?

Far from it. London Irish are - and, mostly, have been - a crap rugby outfit. They're a serious candidate for demotion from the premier league this season.

quote: I hadn't realised there was quite such a shortage of local clubs in the other states. Had there been such a surplus of talent the Reds, having more to gain than either of the others, surely would have done a better job of taking advantage of it...

The Reds' problem isn't so much a lack of available talent as - well, serious mind-set flaws. Historically, Queensland rugby is deeply conservative, small-minded - quelle surprise! for Queensland - and faction-ridden. (NSW rugby has had its faction problems over the years, mixed with some absolute incompetence, but has cleaned up its act in recent times) For example, Queensland's last two coaches disappeared as a result of behind-the-scenes poison. The current coach appointed himself from his position as the Reds' CEO and he has shown little evidence of coaching ability. You only have to watch the team on the field to see the off-field problems manifesting themselves - Wendell Sailor, on the wing, a damaging runner with the ball, rarely sees the ball. The halves' first option is always to kick the ball away. Chris Latham - incidentally, not born in Queensland - breaks the mould. He's an attacking, destructive fullback. But he does it one-out. Which is why, when the Reds win, or are seriously competitive in a match, it's usually Latham's outstanding, one-out performance that does it. Why haven't they built their game around Latham's outstanding abilities? The answer to this question lies in the first two sentences of this paragraph.

quote: Mackay is a surprise. I've been keeping what I thought was a fairly close eye on most of the candidates and I hadn't heard his name come up. Of course that was probably the idea ...

It was kept under wraps, but it was known here that Mitchell had been talking to him for a long time. The Waratahs are seriously p*ssed off. He had a big future here, which makes his decision - which I've addressed in my other post - a crucial one for Perth.

	21-04-2005 06:59									#225
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quote: Originally posted by ravagon Of course at the moment it's looking as though that'll be to the detriment of most of the other Australian teams ...

That's life, that's business. It's a world very well-known to the two other winter professional sports in this country - L***** and AFL. The three S12 franchises were, effectively, protected species.

	21-04-2005 15:29									#226
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quote: (shut up Havak)

Moi? Je Suis innocent.

Corry got a three week ban – the minimum he could receive.

Jonno is appealing against the yellow card at Saracens – the hearing is on Monday night. An appeal should mean he is free to face Wasps a week on Saturday.

Good news – although both Kay and Deacon apparently now have a good chance of being fit for Sunday’s game with Toulouse in any case.

	21-04-2005 17:15									#227
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What's he appealing against? The shade of yellow?

	21-04-2005 19:28									#228
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Either that - or the prospect of not being able to bust Daylgo's nose in his last ever Premiership fixture at Welford Road.

*edit* NZ old boy Craig Dowd is retiring at the end of the season - and moving upstairs at Wasps to be forwards coach.

	22-04-2005 16:19									#229
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I fear for this thread while I'm in transit to the promised land and before I get my internet connection set up. Unless, of course, Tamerlin gets his priorities right and returns to us and/or LDiCesares stops throwing his head against opposition fists and boots!

EDIT. A Frenchman, an Australian and J. Kaplan esq have been appointed to ref the Lions tests. The IRB has scripted Havak's excuses for him!

Last edited by finbar on 22-04-2005 at 16:28

	22-04-2005 17:04									#230
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I don't know.........i just have a horrible feeling the lions will not win purely on a hunch.
(then i didn't think wales would win the grand slam either.... ).

oh and the NZ guys sounds pretty excited about the test:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rug...nal/4468979.stm

maybe if the lions can ban the haka - then i'll feel they can go win it.

Last edited by child of Thor on 22-04-2005 at 17:10

	22-04-2005 18:33									#231
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I don’t think the Haka should be banned – I also don’t think the opposition should be forced to watch it if they don’t want to. Forget the nonsense about respect and tradition - it’s only purpose is to intimidate without any opportunity for the opposition to reply and to upset opposition pre-match psyche up whilst aiding NZ’s own. Respect and tradition don’t figure – and don’t believe any Ravagon who says they do.

So either we don’t have to watch it – or NZ have to pray in supplication as the Lions belt out ‘Bread of heaven’ (or preferably Jerusalem).

On a different note Tamerlin will be all over the thread like a rash on Monday if a certain Welsh fullbacks team wins on Sunday.

If not could I keep the thread going by trying to bait Ravagon? I know how much he enjoys that.

You are in transit for some time are you not Finbar?

Perhaps we simply ask you to start a new thread when you reach nirvana? I suggest the title “Rugby - Hands off Perth” given recent events?

Havin said that I am not sure I can cope with you posting on only a one hour time shift!!

quote: A Frenchman, an Australian and J. Kaplan esq have been appointed to ref the Lions tests. The IRB has scripted Havak's excuses for him!

They have indeed. Jutge is poor, Kaplan simply bizarre (at best). Don’t know much about Cole – but coming from the country that produced D***headson I don’t hold out great hopes.

Did anyone else know Spencer was in London earlier this week? Negotiating with Quins, Irish and Saints. Probably not a contract ploy like certain other players (*cough* Betsen you git.) given he has 12 months to run with Auckland and the NZ Union. I guess being behind Carter and Mehrtens has made him give up on the Lions series – and being injured may not have helped?

	22-04-2005 20:07									#232
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quote: Originally posted by Havak I don’t think the Haka should be banned – I also don’t think the opposition should be forced to watch it if they don’t want to. Forget the nonsense about respect and tradition - it’s only purpose is to intimidate without any opportunity for the opposition to reply and to upset opposition pre-match psyche up whilst aiding NZ’s own. Respect and tradition don’t figure – and don’t believe any Ravagon who says they do.

You can turn your back on the haka as the Wallabies did a decade or so ago. And got blown off the park!

quote: On a different note Tamerlin will be all over the thread like a rash on Monday if a certain Welsh fullbacks team wins on Sunday.

No he won't. He's been led astray.

quote: If not could I keep the thread going by trying to bait Ravagon? I know how much he enjoys that.

Yeah, Ravagon and stinky bait seem to travel hand in hand.

quote: You are in transit for some time are you not Finbar?

No, only about three or four days. Depart here the 26th of May, a couple of days in Honkers, arrive Italy and occupy the house on the 30th. I know I can get dial-up straight away, at considerable expense given that Telecom Italia operate timed calls, so I'll be investigating some sort of broadband ASAP.

quote: Perhaps we simply ask you to start a new thread when you reach nirvana? I suggest the title “Rugby - Hands off Perth” given recent events?

How about - S***** - I'm surrounded by it!

quote: Havin said that I am not sure I can cope with you posting on only a one hour time shift!!

I'll keep you on your toes!

quote: They have indeed. Jutge is poor, Kaplan simply bizarre (at best). Don’t know much about Cole – but coming from the country that produced D***headson I don’t hold out great hopes.

Cole isn't too bad. Kaplan is the real worry with his utter unpredictability.

quote: Did anyone else know Spencer was in London earlier this week? Negotiating with Quins, Irish and Saints. Probably not a contract ploy like certain other players (*cough* Betsen you git.) given he has 12 months to run with Auckland and the NZ Union. I guess being behind Carter and Mehrtens has made him give up on the Lions series – and being injured may not have helped?

Yes, it had been reported here. And the NZRFU has virtually said they'll look at an early release. He's injured, but he'd been relegated to the Blues' bench for his last couple of games before the injury anyway. He's off to the NH. Mehrtens has said he will be, too, if he doesn't get a crack at the Lions. Interestingly, the Crusaders are starting him this week for the first time in ages, dropping Carter to the bench. I think it's Mehrtens' 100th game - or similar - and the oppo is the abysmal Cats so it's an occasion rather than anything form-based.

	22-04-2005 20:10									#233
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The ABs have the Haka, England have obnoxious "Sweet chariot", and Australia has obnoxious "Waltzing Matilda".

The French and the South Africans are obnoxious merely with their presence.

	23-04-2005 14:35									#234
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quote: Interestingly, the Crusaders are starting him this week for the first time in ages, dropping Carter to the bench. I think it's Mehrtens' 100th game - or similar - and the oppo is the abysmal Cats so it's an occasion rather than anything form-based.

It was Justin Marshall's 100th S12 game, and Mehrtens nicked the most S12 points back from Burke.

On that note...

Crusaders 40 - Cats 36

Probably a fair reflection... could really have gone either way, Cats played out of their skins for a majority of the game, but (shock horror) Crusaders just played consistently the entire game.

	23-04-2005 17:26									#235
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quote: LDiCesares stops throwing his head against opposition fists and boots!

Don't worry. I'm fine. Except for the fact that a lock, while practising lineouts, decided to cross the 5 meter line and plant his studs deep into my ankle while supposedly helping the other jumper. I've tried to explain him that he was supposed to push from behind rather than one meter to the rightof the player with noone in front, but only ended up with a swollen ankle.

(As for Galciv, I haven't been playing this game for a while. Too busy playing "new" games like Dominions II, Fantasy General or even NetHack)

	23-04-2005 20:52									#236
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Stade Francais beat Biarritz by 20-17 in the half final, so the Parisians will be finalists of the European Cup.
The match was won by a last-minute try by Dominici, despite their lack of a real fly half. They will still struggle, but the Stade showed that they are able to produce excellent game when they secide to play the ball. Biarritz also suffered from 2 yellow cards (both justified). It's still amazing that the Stade Francais managed to reach the final with so many wounded players.

	24-04-2005 05:29									#237
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quote: Originally posted by Kalius It was Justin Marshall's 100th S12 game, and Mehrtens nicked the most S12 points back from Burke.

Quite right.

quote: On that note... Crusaders 40 - Cats 36 Probably a fair reflection... could really have gone either way, Cats played out of their skins for a majority of the game, but (shock horror) Crusaders just played consistently the entire game.

I've never seen more abysmal handling from the Crusaders than in the first half. That, and the Cats playing out of their skins in the first half kept it close. In the second half, the Crusaders lifted their game (if not to great heights), but, surpisingly, the Cats matched them. Perhaps the Crusaders could be accused of treating their oppo lightly by starting Jack and Carter on the bench. Regardless, the Cats managed to expose some shoddy Crusaders defence. Given that the Cats were injury- and suspension-ridden, playing third and fourth choice selections, the Crusaders must be heaving a huge sigh of relief.

The Reds got home against the Sharks. Flatley's return after a month or more off saw some long over-due organisation in the backline, but the match highlight was the return of Ben Tune after two years out with knee injuries. He played at 13, showing all his old speed and ingenuity, running great angles. scoring a try and setting up another one. A wonderfully gifted player. If he can stay fit, he still has a future at higher levels.

	24-04-2005 21:20									#238
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Apparently, the European Cup final will be Stade Francais vs Stade Toulousain:
Leicester is 19-27 Toulouse.
I haven't seen the match (f*** TV), so I had to follow it on the web. Apparently a good first half from Leicester except they took a try at the second minute and mishandled several balls near the line. And one French try was apparently invalid since there was a forward pass before?

	25-04-2005 13:04									#239
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Two of the tries were from blatant forward passes – but that does not alter the fact that the better side won on the day. Congratulations Toulouse!

Tigers performance was very poor. They had 25 mins of solid dominance in the first half and could have put the game away but there was fumble after fumble and scuffed kicks galore. Tigers therefore got what their performance deserved – nothing.

I have a lot to say about the Irish officials (particularly Monsieur Rolland) and certain aspects of Toulouse’s game (not to mention the crappy Soccer ground) – but I’ll come back to say them later so my congratulations can stand on it’s own merit for a little while.

Finbar will be happy as there was some 'robust' play including a spear on Austin that nearly killed him. To his credit him and Murphy were the stand out players in defence. Ollie Smith took a bang on the head early on and looked concussed – but stayed on.

Jonno nearly got carded. Not for foul play but because after the second try from a forward pass he went to both touch judges in turn and lectured them – and I doubt that was about personal grooming.

Tigers season has fallen apart – how can they pick themselves up to beat Dayglo’s bullies on Saturday?

Jonno was as realistic as ever:

"I've lost as many games as I have won. You win some and you lose some, and if we are honest with ourselves we didn't deserve to win. But that is what is so disappointing - if they had been head and shoulders above us then fair enough, but it came down to us."

	25-04-2005 19:00									#240
	Avatar Enlargement: We've got the solution

quote: You can turn your back on the haka as the Wallabies did a decade or so ago. And got blown off the park!

Actually you can’t Finbar. The IRB issued an edict in the late nineties that teams will face it meakly and quietly and at least 10M away or else. Some team should have had the courage to investigate the or else part.

quote: No, only about three or four days

I’m not in work w/b 31st May so you may even be online before I return.

quote: How about - S***** - I'm surrounded by it!

Very apt for you – I like it!

quote: I'll keep you on your toes!

And distract me from work even more.

quote: I think it's Mehrtens' 100th game - or similar - and the oppo is the abysmal Cats so it's an occasion rather than anything form-based.

I thought Mehrtens was a good bench prospect for the tests?

Who has displaced Carlos at Blues? Nipping the mouths heels?

quote: The ABs have the Haka, England have obnoxious "Sweet chariot", and Australia has obnoxious "Waltzing Matilda".

Only one of which is performed by the players immediately prior to a match – and therefore the only psychological weapon amongst them?

What we should do is drink a cup of tea right after the Haka – it’s traditional after all. And all that nice psyche up adrenalin will flow out the ABs whilst we do.