07-05-2002 17:22									#121
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quote: Originally posted by finbar No one likes a show-off.

Hey! I wasnt trying to be a show-off! I was trying to see if anyone would want to meet me.

quote: Bear in mind he's from Auckland. You can take a boy out of Auckland, you can't take Auckland out of a boy. I don't care how long he's been in La Grande Pomme.

Dont quite know what you mean by this...are you saying Aucklanders cant appreciate any other cities??

	07-05-2002 17:36									#122
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quote: Originally posted by Caligastia Hey! I wasnt trying to be a show-off! I was trying to see if anyone would want to meet me.

I'm just bitterly jealous! I was meant to go to Italy in March and it didn't happen.

quote: Dont quite know what you mean by this...are you saying Aucklanders cant appreciate any other cities??

Ditto!

	07-05-2002 17:42									#123
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quote: Originally posted by finbar I'm just bitterly jealous! I was meant to go to Italy in March and it didn't happen.

Bummer. Well its sounds like you have done a fair amount of travelling in your life anyway. Im sure youll get to go some other time.

quote: Ditto!

Well Auckland IS awesome...

La Grande Pomme has definitely grown on me though...I guess Im a New Yorker now...

	08-05-2002 05:05									#124
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quote: Originally posted by Caligastia Bummer. Well its sounds like you have done a fair amount of travelling in your life anyway. Im sure youll get to go some other time.

That's not the bloody point! My constant aim is to get out of this rathole as often as possible and for as long as possible!

quote: Well Auckland IS awesome...

I've been there. Twice. It's not far enough away from here.

quote: La Grande Pomme has definitely grown on me though...I guess Im a New Yorker now...

I'll say this once. And once only. DON'T PUSH YOUR LUCK!

	08-05-2002 05:22									#125
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Sydney didnt seem that bad to me...

	08-05-2002 06:40									#126
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It's only one part of a much bigger problem.

	08-05-2002 09:24									#127
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Auckland? AAARGGH! Auckland has to be the most annoying city in the country! It's too spread out for its population, has a growing arrogance culture, is starting to suck higher taxes out of the whole country for (of all things) their ROADS and has John bloody Banks as mayor. And whenever a big international event comes here, it's to Auckland and very rarely anywhere else.

And I don't like Sydney much either, but then I've only ever seen the waterfront/plastic people side of it. Melbourne impresses me much more, as does Canberra.

	08-05-2002 09:54									#128
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Actually, Melbourne is a very much nicer place than Sydney. And, obviously, they're both heaps nicer than Auckland.

	08-05-2002 13:40									#129
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Canberra? There's nothing to that.

Sydney didn't seem so bad - didn't enjoy getting dragged into that Men's Gallery though.

On Rugger after yet another injury to Dallaglio Phil Vickery (tight-head) has been given the captaincy for the non-cap game against the Baa-baas on May 26th and the summer tour of Argentina. I'm not convinced by front row captains myself, and in Phil's case he comes from Gloucester so thats double jeopardy!

The baa-baa game is the day after the two European finals (Cup and shield) so no Leicester or Sale players will feature - this mean messirs Robinson, Johnson, Healey (Finbar will be upset!), Back, Kay, Corry, Moody and Rowntree are all out of it - I therefore fully expect a Baa-baa victory.

Similarly the senior players are being rested from the summer tour (something to do with the three Autumn Internationals being the tri-nations in sequence I think) so I fully expect the Puma's the knock us a place down the world rankings by beating us.

You guys probably just don't realise how emotionally draining it is following England - every time you think they have just about got there they mess it up

Sadly I also think you nailed the problem with Bok rugby - apart from the fact that they keep losing qualified Bok players to the leagues here (but then that affects all the Tri-nations - you would think we didn't have native players at some clubs!).

Is Caligastia on route already? He should enjoy the sights in Paris though I'm rather with you in that I prefer the South (actually I prefer Monaco given a free choice). My French however is awful at the best of times - I am in other words typically English.

	08-05-2002 16:52									#130
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On a slightly OT note (but still within the Cricket/Rugby nations ), do you think anyone will want to send their cricket team on tour to Pakistan again? For those not in the know, earlier today a bomb went off outside the Black Caps' (NZ cricket team's) hotel a few hours after breakfast - it killed 11, being 9 French and 2 Pakistani. The team has been recalled to NZ, just before the second test was due to begin.

It's a shame, but this might mean Pakistan (and maybe even India) starts to play less of a role in International cricket.

	08-05-2002 17:16									#131
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Nope, I dont leave till thursday. I have 4 rugby games to tape while Im gone, so when I get back I will be sitting down and watching rugby for about 7 hours!

In Australia I have been pretty much everywhere on the east coast, and tasmania too. I really like Melbourne, it has a lot more character than Sydney or Canberra, and Brisbane was ok too. Tasmania has a high ratio of females to males. When I was out with my mates on a friday or saturday night car-loads of girls would whistle at us as they drove by...

I love Auckland because it is built on a beautiful landscape, beaches everywhere, harbours, and youre never far from a volcanic cone to drive up for a fantastic view! The islands in the harbour are beautiful, and downtown Auckland has enough going on to keep you interested. I never liked Wellington, but if you live somewhere for a while you get the chance to appreciate it. My sister moved down there for a while and ended up liking it.

Stop talking about cricket! Its bloody boring!

	08-05-2002 17:32									#132
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Canberra? There's nothing to that.

I'll pass that onto Alexander's Horse, Master Troll of this forum.

quote: Sydney didn't seem so bad - didn't enjoy getting dragged into that Men's Gallery though.

I'm sure I know not to what you refer.

quote: I'm not convinced by front row captains myself, and in Phil's case he comes from Gloucester so thats double jeopardy!

I suspect front row captains' problems begin with working out how to toss the coin.

quote: The baa-baa game is the day after the two European finals (Cup and shield) so no Leicester or Sale players will feature - this mean messirs Robinson, Johnson, Healey (Finbar will be upset!), Back, Kay, Corry, Moody and Rowntree are all out of it - I therefore fully expect a Baa-baa victory.

Who will be Baa-Baaing?

quote: You guys probably just don't realise how emotionally draining it is following England - every time you think they have just about got there they mess it up

You should try following the Australian soccer team's progress towards the World Cup every 4 years.

quote: Sadly I also think you nailed the problem with Bok rugby - apart from the fact that they keep losing qualified Bok players to the leagues here (but then that affects all the Tri-nations - you would think we didn't have native players at some clubs!).

Well, that's the money problem, isn't it.

quote: Is Caligastia on route already? He should enjoy the sights in Paris though I'm rather with you in that I prefer the South (actually I prefer Monaco given a free choice). My French however is awful at the best of times - I am in other words typically English.

One year I hired a car in Lyons, headed south, turned right at Marseilles, and spent about 3 weeks pottering around the coast down to Barcelona. Absolutely blissful.

	08-05-2002 19:10									#133
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It's quite some squad the barbarians have actually - you may recognise some names.

Backs:
Jonah Lomu (Wellington Hurricanes/Nzl), Christian Cullen (Wellington Hurricanes/Nzl), Thomas Castaignede (Saracens/Fra), Braam van Straaten (Leeds/Rsa), Carlos Spencer (Auckland/Nzl), Agustin Pichot (Bristol/Arg), Pieter Rossouw (London Irish/Rsa), Roger Randle (Waikato Chiefs), Thinus Delport (Natal Sharks/Rsa)

Forwards:
Abdelatif Benazzi (Saracens/Fra), Jason Leonard (Harlequins/Eng), Rassie Erasmus (Free State Cats/Rsa), Adrian Garvey (Newport/Rsa), Simon Taylor (Edinburgh/Sco), Trevor Leota (Wasps/Sam), Christian Califano (Auckland Blues/Fra), Taine Randell (Otago/ Nzl), Pat Lam (Newcastle/Sam), Kieran Roche (Saracens), Mauro Ledesmo (Narbonne/Arg), Robbie Kempson (Ulster/Rsa), Todd Blackadder (Edinburgh/Nzl), Mark Andrews (Natal/Rsa), Kupo Vanisi (Wellington Hurricanes)

They play England (Main course even in their watered down squad)) May 26th, Wales (flimsy custard based desert) May 29th and Scotland (slightly firmer after dinner mint) on June 1st. They will win all three, trust me?

quote: I'll pass that onto Alexander's Horse, Master Troll of this forum

Oh gawd - the wrath of AH is all I need.

quote: You should try following the Australian soccer team's progress towards the World Cup every 4 years.

Its a good parallel I guess

quote: One year I hired a car in Lyons, headed south, turned right at Marseilles, and spent about 3 weeks pottering around the coast down to Barcelona. Absolutely blissful.

It's all good country down there for sure, I love NE Spain myself.

And I'm with Caligastia on the cricket - I do watch it but then everyone needs quality sleep occassionally. But returning to 7 hours rugby friend ? I'd be in the dog house for a year if I crashed in front of that on returning from vacation.

You guys have clearly travelled - sadly I doubt I will make the 2005 Lions tour to NZ as my tour mates are wimping out - they reckon it's too cold there in June/July??

We are aiming to follow the development tour of England to Canada next summer (our summer) if it gets confirmed though. Oh and we are doing Irleand again in the six nations next Feb/Mar - you can't beat the craic.

	08-05-2002 19:19									#134
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quote: Originally posted by Havak And I'm with Caligastia on the cricket - I do watch it but then everyone needs quality sleep occassionally. But returning to 7 hours rugby friend ? I'd be in the dog house for a year if I crashed in front of that on returning from vacation.

My wife is american, so if she ever complains about me watching rugby I remind her that she's lucky Im not into american sports because if I was I would be watching TV a lot more.

She actually watches some of the games with me now. She has got to know some of the NZ players, and likes a good trans-tasman game.

She is coming to europe too BTW, just in case you thought it was just me.

	08-05-2002 20:08									#135
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Actually I had taken onboard she was joining you - which is why I avoided some of the more obvious things one could say about touring Paris and Amsterdam. I still wouldn't get away with a rugger fest on my return from such trip - you lucky devil

Enjoy yourselves!

	08-05-2002 20:13									#136
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Actually I had taken onboard she was joining you - which is why I avoided some of the more obvious things one could say about touring Paris and Amsterdam. I still wouldn't get away with a rugger fest on my return from such trip - you lucky devil

Im turning her into a rugby fan, slowly but surely.

One of the things that she likes about rugby is that each 40 minute half can be watched without ad breaks.

quote: Enjoy yourselves!

Thanks mate, we will.

	09-05-2002 06:12									#137
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quote: Originally posted by Havak It's quite some squad the barbarians have actually - you may recognise some names. Backs: Jonah Lomu (Wellington Hurricanes/Nzl), Christian Cullen (Wellington Hurricanes/Nzl), Thomas Castaignede (Saracens/Fra), Braam van Straaten (Leeds/Rsa), Carlos Spencer (Auckland/Nzl), Agustin Pichot (Bristol/Arg), Pieter Rossouw (London Irish/Rsa), Roger Randle (Waikato Chiefs), Thinus Delport (Natal Sharks/Rsa) Forwards: Abdelatif Benazzi (Saracens/Fra), Jason Leonard (Harlequins/Eng), Rassie Erasmus (Free State Cats/Rsa), Adrian Garvey (Newport/Rsa), Simon Taylor (Edinburgh/Sco), Trevor Leota (Wasps/Sam), Christian Califano (Auckland Blues/Fra), Taine Randell (Otago/ Nzl), Pat Lam (Newcastle/Sam), Kieran Roche (Saracens), Mauro Ledesmo (Narbonne/Arg), Robbie Kempson (Ulster/Rsa), Todd Blackadder (Edinburgh/Nzl), Mark Andrews (Natal/Rsa), Kupo Vanisi (Wellington Hurricanes)

Mmmm. Handy. A couple of them can play a bit. It's been interesting watching Jonah Lomu this S12 season. Seems to have lost a lot of his potency. True, he mightn't have been very well served, but he's being stopped in tackles a lot more than he once was.

quote: And I'm with Caligastia on the cricket - I do watch it but then everyone needs quality sleep occassionally.

Dang heathens! 'Tis the greatest game of all.

quote: You guys have clearly travelled - sadly I doubt I will make the 2005 Lions tour to NZ as my tour mates are wimping out - they reckon it's too cold there in June/July??

Freeze your tits off in NZ at that time of year. Particularly if they're playing in the Deep South. I don't imagine they'll get down as far as Invercargill. Lucky for them.

Just on the travel thing for a moment. I would give my right arm to live anywhere in your region, Havak, for the simple reason that you're so close to the greatest parts of the world. If I lived where you do, I'd hardly ever be home.

	09-05-2002 06:14									#138
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quote: Originally posted by Caligastia Hey! I wasnt trying to be a show-off! I was trying to see if anyone would want to meet me.

M-hm. Protesteth a bit too loudly, methinks. It was your later post - the one about "When in Rome ... " - that gave you away.

	09-05-2002 06:19									#139
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quote: Originally posted by Caligastia Im turning her into a rugby fan, slowly but surely.

Mrs finbar is slowly but surely realising that rugby is something pretty important. Once I point out to her which team is which - and, in the case of the South African S12 teams, where they're actually from, which, given their teams' names, takes quite some explaining - she can follow the basics. I must realise, though, that trying to explain to her the various refs' interpretations at the breakdown is a no-no. Her eyes glaze over. Well, mine do, too, actually.

	09-05-2002 13:48									#140
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quote: One of the things that she likes about rugby is that each 40 minute half can be watched without ad breaks

A wild stab here - she is American right?

quote: the various refs' interpretations at the breakdown is a no-no

And then once you get into the hemispheric differences in interpretation as well it's like a proper sedative.

But we can solve this easily - everyone should adopt a northern interpretation.

quote: but he's being stopped in tackles a lot more than he once was.

I have to say I am rather glad to hear that with NZ due to play us in the Autumn.

I always thought with Jonah though that he has never been impressive going back - pop the ball in space behind him and you have a chance - his defensive game is not the best I've seen. Having said that he can be damn awesome going forward and he always seems to find his form for England damn him!

quote: you're so close to the greatest parts of the world

Huh? That was a typo right? I live in the greatest part of the world - I did mention I was English right?

Seriously though you have a point - but we never tend to appreciate the things within easy reach do we? I mean I really enjoyed Australia as a visitor, I loved Canada too - and whilst I like France (unusual for a Pom I can assure you) I would take either of the above before it anyday.

	09-05-2002 14:11									#141
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quote: Originally posted by finbar I must realise, though, that trying to explain to her the various refs' interpretations at the breakdown is a no-no. Her eyes glaze over. Well, mine do, too, actually.

So do the refs'.

And damn if the Tri-Series in OZ recently wasn't some of the best sport I've ever seen! I''l take that over endless Super 12 matches and overhyped ABS games anyday. The sheer amount of advertising appearing on rugby matches televised in NZ is getting really old, really fast. Although, when I was staying at MT. Ruapehu a few weekends ago the Sydney/Canberra game did mean we all got bored enough to drink far more than usual.. The aim was a pint of Ruapehu Draught (shudder) every five minutes. I made every ten. It made the game almost exciting.

	09-05-2002 16:39									#142
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quote: Originally posted by Havak I always thought with Jonah though that he has never been impressive going back - pop the ball in space behind him and you have a chance - his defensive game is not the best I've seen. Having said that he can be damn awesome going forward and he always seems to find his form for England damn him!

He's still got the problem with the ball behind him - as has Wendell Sailor - but he really isn't steamrolling like he used to. Whether it's that the oppo has learned to tackle him - low and hard - I don't know, but I've seen a couple of wingers stop him recently.

quote: Seriously though you have a point - but we never tend to appreciate the things within easy reach do we? I mean I really enjoyed Australia as a visitor, I loved Canada too - and whilst I like France (unusual for a Pom I can assure you) I would take either of the above before it anyday.

You Brits are a weird mob. I was staying with friends in Gloucestershire a few years ago - she's Australian, he's a Brit - and they had friends who had never been to Oxford. About an hour's drive away. And no one anywhere there believed I'd driven from Scarborough down to Wales in a day. Maybe we're just used to long distances.

	09-05-2002 16:41									#143
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quote: Originally posted by MrWhereItsAt So do the refs'. And damn if the Tri-Series in OZ recently wasn't some of the best sport I've ever seen! I''l take that over endless Super 12 matches and overhyped ABS games anyday. The sheer amount of advertising appearing on rugby matches televised in NZ is getting really old, really fast. Although, when I was staying at MT. Ruapehu a few weekends ago the Sydney/Canberra game did mean we all got bored enough to drink far more than usual.. The aim was a pint of Ruapehu Draught (shudder) every five minutes. I made every ten. It made the game almost exciting.

Do you get the S12 games live from here?

	09-05-2002 17:17									#144
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quote: Whether it's that the oppo has learned to tackle him - low and hard - I don't know, but I've seen a couple of wingers stop him recently.

Now that is interesting - I shall watch his Barbarians outings with great interest then.

quote: You Brits are a weird mob

There's no denying that

quote: and they had friends who had never been to Oxford. About an hour's drive away

Ah well you see no-one form the south west would want to go to the thames valley - I means that is practically London and all that goes with it.

quote: And no one anywhere there believed I'd driven from Scarborough down to Wales in a day

Actually it's more likely no one could believe you would want to leave Scarborough for Wales at all.

Actually I feel sorry for you - moving from Yorkshire accents around you to Glaws accents in a single day and then straying into Taff accent land - nightmare!

	09-05-2002 17:31									#145
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quote: Originally posted by finbar M-hm. Protesteth a bit too loudly, methinks. It was your later post - the one about "When in Rome ... " - that gave you away.

ahhh...why are you replying to the same thing twice?

	09-05-2002 17:38									#146
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quote: Originally posted by finbar Mrs finbar is slowly but surely realising that rugby is something pretty important. Once I point out to her which team is which - and, in the case of the South African S12 teams, where they're actually from, which, given their teams' names, takes quite some explaining - she can follow the basics. I must realise, though, that trying to explain to her the various refs' interpretations at the breakdown is a no-no. Her eyes glaze over. Well, mine do, too, actually.

Yeah, my wife has been getting to know some of the NZ players pretty well, especially the good-looking ones.
I have explained most of the rules to her, but the breakdown is a tricky one. I just tell her to look to see where the ball comes out of the pile of bodies.
She was never into watching sports of any kind until I showed her rugby, and considering the quality of american sports its no wonder.

	09-05-2002 17:40									#147
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Re dredging up old quotes:

My bitterness knows no bounds.

	09-05-2002 17:40									#148
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quote: Originally posted by Havak A wild stab here - she is American right?

Yep! No wonder she wasnt interested in sports till I showed her rugby.

American football is utter crap, and baseball is

	09-05-2002 17:42									#149
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quote: Originally posted by finbar My bitterness knows no bounds.

	09-05-2002 17:46									#150
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quote: Originally posted by Caligastia Yep! No wonder she wasnt interested in sports till I showed her rugby. American football is utter crap, and baseball is

You're right about American football. How they could take a great game like rugby and destroy it as they have is - well, with great respect to your missus, typically American. And baseball? With all that music and crap they go on with whenever the action stops for a millisecond - well, again with great respect to your missus, we know Americans have short attention spans, but that's ridiculous.