19-07-2002 20:01									#181
	Inflate your Upload Space

quote: Originally posted by Havak By the elimination stages the clubs are as strong as a whole as the S12.

You're probably right but it will be difficult to find out as you said it later in your post.

quote: We need to consider only the top six S12 sides are of truly high quality – the rest make up the roster just like the bottom half of the French and English tables do.

Oh so True !

quote: Mind you the SH guys will be happy they have a wedge to drive between us now.

No, united we stand !

Don't we ?

quote: Look out Leicestershire, Havak is back!

Have a nice week-end.

	20-07-2002 05:02									#182
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin About Saturday's game : if we are right Finbar my pockets are too small for all the gold we are about to earn. With all this money, what about a trip to Apolytonia ?

Well, I'll be off to Italy. But that's just across the road from you, so maybe you'd be better off heading to a distant shore like Apolytonia.

	20-07-2002 05:07									#183
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

quote: Originally posted by Andydog I think that Finbar was moaning again about 12 pts being too slim a margin - he wants more (a common Aussie trait )

Absolutely right, Andy! I'm not sure what Caligastia thought I was saying. If the conditions are reasonable, the ABs - well, the Crusaders and a couple of mates - should stroll in.

quote: I'm looking forward to the Wallaby Spring Bok game - where I shall be backing the Boks. I would give my left bollock for SA to beat Australia.

Now this is the sort of bet I like to encourage from a Kiwi. I would also encourage you to bet the other bollock on the following game with the same lack of success.

quote: No where near. But let me tell you about Mickeyj's current job... ... he's a private dancer in Candy's House of Fun! (sorry mate it slipped out)

A pooper scooper in the Royal Corgi Household?

	20-07-2002 05:10									#184
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

quote: Originally posted by Caligastia That would be soooo sweet!! I will be supporting the Boks in that game for sure! I support two teams, the All Blacks and anyone playing Australia.

Care to put your bollocks on the line with your Kiwi comrade? I'd dearly love a clean sweep!

	20-07-2002 05:24									#185
	Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

quote: Originally posted by Havak I had thought locks are something Australia are quite weak on – it’s well documented that I think Harrison was a one catch wonder and is otherwise pretty average. You still sit Cockbain on the bench right? No strength in depth there? Are there promising youngsters around?

Cockbain has been used more and more as an impact player. Yes, there are a number of promising young locks coming through. The young Queenslander I mentioned - the Eales protegee - who had a run with the A team. There's a young South African-born lad who went with the squad to NZ. High hopes are held for both. And you know I think you underestimate JH. He's still very inexperienced.

quote: Signing League converts doesn’t strike me as that sensible a forward planning exercise – it’s the junior infrastructure of the sport that provides the long term production line. Fund the junior game and tempt the kids away from Aussie Rules (I know, I know, it will not happen!)

I would agree with you if the signing of RL players were the only strategy. It's not. There's plenty of development going on.

quote: Can I just say I don’t think he has achieved, or perhaps proved, anything that suggests to me he is the real article?

I'd go as far as to say that he's lacking a couple of brain cells.

quote: I’m off soon guys so heres to a good game Saturday. I won’t post until Monday as I have an urgent appointment with some bitter this weekend . Look out Leicestershire, Havak is back!

*Andydog stocks up on air freshener*

quote: (tea total for two weeks thanks to the back)

A back injury prevented you bending your elbow? Don't they have straws over there? For crying out loud, bedridden and crippled Australians have been known to dangle their finger in a glass to imbibe by absorption!

	20-07-2002 05:27									#186
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

quote: Originally posted by Andydog btw, when do we find out if Tuqiri joined the Reds?

At this point, he's still negotiating with all three teams. The Reds are probably the least favoured. They already have Ben Tune and Wendell Sailor in place. The media seems to have NSW as favourites to sign him, but who knows?

	20-07-2002 11:37									#187
	Browse Apolyton AD-FREE

Good morning all, its match day!

Finbar - cheers for the update on Tuqiri. It will be interesting to see how long these negotiations will go on for.

quote: I would also encourage you to bet the other bollock on the following game with the same lack of success.

Mate I'll put my bollocks on the line if you do, that's provided they're not knackered from all the times you've pissed all over your computer cables!

Check this out:

"Physical and psychological demands of international rugby players would be discussed by the sport's governing body for the first time, it said on Friday.


International Rugby Board (IRB) chairman Vernon Pugh said it would discuss the number of matches played, their quality, the length of seasons, injury recovery times and pre-season preparation."

The full article can be found here

The outcome of this should be very interesting. It could make the possibility of a S14 even more unlikely. And with league players defecting to union, John O'Neil will be under more pressure to get a domestic competition going. I see the discussion was recommended by the IRB's medical commission. I wonder how many kiwis are in that?

quote: A pooper scooper in the Royal Corgi Household?

Nope, but I bet a job like that would pay more! Actually I manage civil construction projects - which also involves picking up a lot of sh!t.

	20-07-2002 14:15									#188
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations

For anyone reading this that hasn't heard from the live event,

SA 7 NZ 3 after 10 mins (I'm watching the delayed, free-to-air coverage here in NZ).

	20-07-2002 16:40									#189
	Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

quote: Originally posted by MrWhereItsAt For anyone reading this that hasn't heard from the live event, SA 7 NZ 3 after 10 mins (I'm watching the delayed, free-to-air coverage here in NZ).

I'am back at home for a few minutes, is someone here online that could gave us the final score. It sounds promising, Finbar and I are about to earn many golds.

	20-07-2002 20:53									#190
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization: The Boardgame

Sorry, Tamerlin.

ABs 41
Springboks 20

We were in with a chance for a while, though.

	20-07-2002 23:21									#191
	Full PM-box? Change here!

quote: But let me tell you about Mickeyj's current job... ... he's a private dancer in Candy's House of Fun!

I do it for the tips, which the gimps don't get eh? Andydog!


Not a bad game this morning, the bokke did play badly at time but look very at others.

No complaints from me, but I was on the SA websites and the press are not happy with Stuart Dickenson at all.

	21-07-2002 02:18									#192
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

Thanks for the information Finbar, it seems the AB and the Boks have broken a long tradition of tight scores.

I should have been more careful, Havak and I know well the unfaithful people of the SH are ready to throw tradition away at the first opportunity.

By the way, I don't forget you Finbar but I didn't had the time to read the articles again this week and even less to think about a translation.

	21-07-2002 06:11									#193
	Support Apolyton, buy Call to Power 2

quote: Originally posted by Mickeyj No complaints from me, but I was on the SA websites and the press are not happy with Stuart Dickenson at all.

One day I'll hear of a losing team praising a ref. (And I say that having backed the Bocks!)

	21-07-2002 06:15									#194
	Browse Apolyton AD-FREE

quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin Thanks for the information Finbar, it seems the AB and the Boks have broken a long tradition of tight scores.

The ABs created the margin in about 20 minutes. I thought the Boks did pretty well under all the circumstances.

I just discovered that Planet Rugby - or their Zurich Computer, or somesuch - had calculated a 21 points start for the Boks. I probably wouldn't have gone that high, but I think our 12 points margin was pretty slim.

quote: I should have been more careful, Havak and I know well the unfaithful people of the SH are ready to throw tradition away at the first opportunity.

Damn! Tamerlin's worked out our conspiracy!

quote: By the way, I don't forget you Finbar but I didn't had the time to read the articles again this week and even less to think about a translation.

No problems, Tamerlin.

	21-07-2002 06:35									#195
	Support Apolyton

quote: Originally posted by Andydog Mate I'll put my bollocks on the line if you do, that's provided they're not knackered from all the times you've pissed all over your computer cables!

No probs. But who calculates the differential factor for out differing sizes?

quote: Check this out: "Physical and psychological demands of international rugby players would be discussed by the sport's governing body for the first time, it said on Friday. International Rugby Board (IRB) chairman Vernon Pugh said it would discuss the number of matches played, their quality, the length of seasons, injury recovery times and pre-season preparation."

Interesting that the world's leading cricketers are saying much the same thing. Maybe it boils down to a test of strength between the practitioners and the administrators who are determined to milk the cash cow for all it's worth.

quote: The outcome of this should be very interesting. It could make the possibility of a S14 even more unlikely. And with league players defecting to union, John O'Neil will be under more pressure to get a domestic competition going.

As I've said before, I can't see there ever being a S14. If only for the fact that there's no 14th team anywhere on the horizon. And, here, it's not so much that RL players are defecting, it's more that rugby has been very selectively targeting particular RL players. It hasn't been a flood and won't be. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Lote Tuquiri were the last for quite a while. And, as I've said before, our domestic competition is what it is. It can't expand any more - except in terms of having NSW clubs playing Queensland clubs and calling it, technically, a national comp - because there simply isn't the financial base because there aren't the numbers. Jeez, a couple of Sydney's biggest and best clubs - providing players to the S12 teams and the Wallabies - remain essentially amateur.

	21-07-2002 09:42									#196
	Remove this text

The Beautiful Game Bank A/c (as at 21/7/02)

Sorry, guys, I hadn't realised until just now that Mickeyj had placed a bet prior to the match. I've recalculated the winnnings accordingly. Obviously, because Mickeyj backed the Boks, it only increased the snatch for the AB backers.

I also don't know how I missed Mickeyj's bet. Presumably I was daydreaming about spending the massive haul I was going to share with Tamerlin.

FYI, Mickeyj, we're betting margins rather than straight out. The Boks were given 12 points start for the match. You backed the Boks. For you to collect, the Boks would've had to finish within 12 points of the ABs. Or draw the match, or win it.

Anyway, following last night's match, our updated Bank A/c reads as follows:

academia 82+30 = 112

Andydog 70+52 = 122

Caligastia 87+30 = 117

finbar 80-20 = 60

Havak 70+46 = 116

LDiCesares 102

Mickeyj 100-30 = 70

ravagon 70+46 = 116

Tamerlin 105-20 = 85

If I were to tell you how much it thrills me to have to make these tortuous calculations - in which every bastard seems to be becoming rich except me - I'm sure you wouldn't believe me.

PS. For the sake of my sanity, can we bet only in units of 10? Please? Andydog?

Last edited by finbar on 21-07-2002 at 10:08

	22-07-2002 08:17									#197
	Tired of ads?

Well damn. Much as I hate to say it - not wanting to appear biased in any way of course (who moi? ) - but I found it a thoroughly entertaining match - even during the first 20-odd minutes when the Boks were leading!
Both teams really tried to run with the ball and brought it off - AB's picking up their game as time went on while the Boks slipped a bit and were overtaken on the scoreboard.
Even the ref seemed to manage his end pretty well (and being an Aussie to boot! Or does a Brisbanite not count in this regard? ) although I must admit I can rarely tell which way the ruck calls should have gone and this was no exception.

The real question for next Saturday will be whether or not finbar is going to back the favourite this time?
I must admit I'm going to have to think about this too.

	22-07-2002 08:33									#198
	Remove this text

quote: Originally posted by ravagon The real question for next Saturday will be whether or not finbar is going to back the favourite this time?

Depends on the margin that's calculated. Can someone - other than a South African or Australian - please give the margin some thought?

	22-07-2002 09:21									#199
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization III: Complete

Umm ... Off the top of my head I'd probably give up between 12 and 16 points (split the difference and make it 14 I guess) to the Wallabies ... er, sorry, slip of the tounge - I meant the Boks.

Might want to leave it till a bit later in the week - until the teams become finalized ... ?

	22-07-2002 10:17									#200
	Enter the AD-FREE zone

quote: Originally posted by ravagon Umm ... Off the top of my head I'd probably give up between 12 and 16 points (split the difference and make it 14 I guess) to the Wallabies ... er, sorry, slip of the tounge - I meant the Boks. Might want to leave it till a bit later in the week - until the teams become finalized ... ?

On the basis that the Boks only had 12 start against the ABs, I wouldn't argue with 14 against the Wallabies. In reality, I think it should probably be more, as it should've been against the ABs.

I agree about leaving it till later in the week to finalise it. I just wanted to get some input. I suspect the Wallabies won't change much. David Lyons might start in place of Owen Finnegan for reasons of mobility. Apparently Stirling Mortlock should be fit again after straining his shoulder against the ABs.

	22-07-2002 13:24									#201
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

quote: Don't we ?

We certainly do.

quote: the Eales protégée

Ah yes that had slipped my mind. You can’t really get a better start than to be groomed by Ealesy. What is the lads name again? And a South African wearing Australian colours? It’s not like the wallabies to be picking non-Australians (how quickly was he made an Aussie when it was discovered how good he was?)

quote: And you know I think you underestimate JH

As a player – possibly. He has potential. What he also possesses is a fatal Achilles heal. Unlike a certain other lock of aggressive renown what Justin possesses is a hair trigger temper that finds him causing violence on the pitch rather than reacting to it – it’s a terrible flaw in his game. Incidentally I think off the field he is a nice bloke – he interviews very well - but on it he needs to tone down the violence. If you get a ref like David ‘Pedant’ McHugh or Steve ‘Look at me’ Lander (who ran the line Saturday) Justin will walk more often than not – and that does not help the team much does it?

quote: There's plenty of development going on.

This is a very good thing. As I have said before the game needs a strong Australian side – there are just so many of us out here who live to beat them.

quote: Don't they have straws over there?

The pain killers I take react quite interestingly with alcohol. I’ve learnt it’s best to avoid the pop whilst taking them from experience.

quote: One day I'll hear of a losing team praising a ref

Don’t faint but I thought Dickenson had a solid game – and I don’t normally rate him.

I have to say I thought South Africa did reasonably well – I was pleasantly surprised at the very positive way they tried to play and I think they did expose that the AB defence is not as solid as it should be? The Aussie-AB game in Aus should be very interesting now?

After all Tune doesn’t rate either of the other teams in the tournament (proving yet again Finbar that he suffers from a touch of the Healeys?)

And for Tamerlin - Tigers play Toulouse in a pre-season friendly on 24th August - I'll let you know what I think of Tournaire and of course your team after that game.

	22-07-2002 13:55									#202
	Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

quote: Originally posted by Havak Ah yes that had slipped my mind. You can’t really get a better start than to be groomed by Ealesy. What is the lads name again?

Buggered if I can remember!

quote: And a South African wearing Australian colours? It’s not like the wallabies to be picking non-Australians (how quickly was he made an Aussie when it was discovered how good he was?)

His name's Vickerman. The whole family moved here about 5 years ago. When he started to show potential, the Boks invited him back. He declined.

quote: As a player – possibly. He has potential. What he also possesses is a fatal Achilles heal. Unlike a certain other lock of aggressive renown what Justin possesses is a hair trigger temper that finds him causing violence on the pitch rather than reacting to it –

Phew! I'm glad I was dreaming when I thought I saw "a certain other lock of aggressive renown" start something.

quote: Don’t faint but I thought Dickenson had a solid game – and I don’t normally rate him.

I didn't see the whole game but I thought he did a sound job. He kept the lid on when it could've turned ugly a couple of times.

quote: I have to say I thought South Africa did reasonably well – I was pleasantly surprised at the very positive way they tried to play and I think they did expose that the AB defence is not as solid as it should be?

The Bok aggro was interesting and quite deliberate, from what they're now saying. There's more in store for us. God bless the Mind Games. Their skipper was cited for biting but was cleared. As I say, I didn't see the whole event, but they looked like they have potential.

quote: The Aussie-AB game in Aus should be very interesting now?

In anything other than arctic conditions, it will be a terrific game.

quote: After all Tune doesn’t rate either of the other teams in the tournament (proving yet again Finbar that he suffers from a touch of the Healeys?)

What did Ben have to say? It wasn't reported here. He's probably so excited to have finished a game without some body part falling off him that he was blathering.

quote: And for Tamerlin - Tigers play Toulouse in a pre-season friendly on 24th August - I'll let you know what I think of Tournaire and of course your team after that game.

Beaut! An unbiased opinion.

Havak - What do you reckon the margin should be for the Boks -v- Wallabies?

	22-07-2002 14:46									#203
	Support Apolyton or Terrorists Win

quote: I'm glad I was dreaming when I thought I saw "a certain other lock of aggressive renown" start something.

Indeed you were.

I watch him week in and week out and I have never seen him start anything. I have however seen him guilty of very excessive reaction if that makes you feel better?

quote: The Bok aggro was interesting and quite deliberate, from what they're now saying.

It’s pretty much what I expect from them, their style is historically, um, combative?

I’m still not sure they can really trouble the Wallabies mind you – certainly not in Australia anyway? I just think the clash will be interesting as the Boks made a better go of breaking the Kiwi defence – admittedly in vastly better conditions. I’m really lost how to call the spread on this one.

quote: In anything other than arctic conditions, it will be a terrific game.

Where are they playing – the Gabba? That’s nicely enclosed?

quote: What did Ben have to say?

Lets see – the choice bit is:
“We weren't overly impressed by the skill level of the teams," Tune said in an interview broadcast on Australian TV. "There's nothing there that surprised us or is making us particularly worried. We realise that if we play to the best of our ability we can beat both those teams."

Its perhaps a little ungracious? It’s fine to say you aren’t worried but dissing opponents skill levels, particularly one week after losing to one of them, seems a bit off?

quote: Beaut! An unbiased opinion.

I thought all my opinions were objective fact?

Seriously I can be objective(ish) when the need arises – and I’m not stupid enough to take Toulouse lightly – they are a class side. I am looking forward to seeing our new signings and to see if it works having Healey as our number one fly half.

The latter point I am totally unconvinced about. He can turn a game from there - but you never know which way

I need more time to think about the margin. My instinct says a comfortable Wallaby win, but I’ll have to think about the points difference carefully.

	22-07-2002 17:52									#204
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

quote: Originally posted by Havak Indeed you were. I watch him week in and week out and I have never seen him start anything. I have however seen him guilty of very excessive reaction if that makes you feel better?

*finbar trawls through myriad tapes he doesn't even have in his collection*

quote: Where are they playing – the Gabba? That’s nicely enclosed?

Yeah, Brissy.

quote: Lets see – the choice bit is: “We weren't overly impressed by the skill level of the teams," Tune said in an interview broadcast on Australian TV. "There's nothing there that surprised us or is making us particularly worried. We realise that if we play to the best of our ability we can beat both those teams." Its perhaps a little ungracious? It’s fine to say you aren’t worried but dissing opponents skill levels, particularly one week after losing to one of them, seems a bit off?

If I recall, that was actually said before the Tri-Nations started. I think I saw the show. He was talking about the Kiwis after Italy and Ireland and the Boks after the Pumas. The first two sentences seem to confirm that. That aside, I don't think there's anything paticularly untoward about it. Pretty standard stuff.

	22-07-2002 18:11									#205
	Support Apolyton or Terrorists Win

quote: Originally posted by Havak We certainly do.

I could not imagine another answer...

quote: And for Tamerlin - Tigers play Toulouse in a pre-season friendly on 24th August - I'll let you know what I think of Tournaire and of course your team after that game.

Yes, this match is scheduled since a few weeks now, it will be interesting to see our respective recruits. I'am particularly eager to hear some comments about our first and second raws as this was one of the main weakness of Toulouse last season when it has been the Strength of the "Stade Toulousain" for many seasons.

	22-07-2002 19:06									#206
	Put an end to popups!

The BBC web site if definitely reporting Tune's comments as if they were made after last Saturdays game?

No that it matters much - it's not like he said both sides were crap?

quote: I'am particularly eager to hear some comments about our first and second raws

I'll pay close attention to them and strive to be as objective as possible.

It seems not everyone agreed with my assessment of the ref, catch the comments of other fans here

	22-07-2002 22:08									#207
	Tired of ads?

Hmm quite a few people unhappy about the ref, the players knew what they were in for and should have been better disciplined.

Does anyone know why he didn't call a scrum when the kick-off didn't go ten?

quote: And a South African wearing Australian colours? It’s not like the wallabies to be picking non-Australians (how quickly was he made an Aussie when it was discovered how good he was?)

Don't forget Tiaan Straus who left when he didn't get on with Francois Pienaar.

	23-07-2002 04:20									#208
	Put an end to popups!

quote: Originally posted by Havak The BBC web site if definitely reporting Tune's comments as if they were made after last Saturdays game? No that it matters much - it's not like he said both sides were crap?

I just found the report on the BBC site. It's certainly purporting that he said it after the ABs-Boks match. Beats me. I distinctly recall similar words being used by someone a few weeks ago. Maybe the Wallabies are recycling their quotes. Anyway, it wasn't said on any of the rugby TV shows here - there's only one, in fact, it's weekly, and it doesn't air till tomorrow night. I'll watch it and see if it appears. Regardless, it's just the standard mind games stuff. The Boks are already telling us all the pressure's on us and they're going to outmuscle us and so on and so on.

quote: It seems not everyone agreed with my assessment of the ref, catch the comments of other fans here

I say again - has a losing rugby fan ever praised the ref? The complaints about the crap throw in should be directed to the linesman (or assistant referee, or whatever they're called these days). There was a similar case in the ABs-Wallabies game last week. The ball didn't travel the 5m from an ABs throw, but it had no impact on the game. I also find it faintly amusing that the Bok fans are grizzling about how the ref handled the fisticuffs when it was the Boks who were instigating the aggro. A strategy, as they confirmed later.

	23-07-2002 04:34									#209
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization 2

quote: Originally posted by Mickeyj Don't forget Tiaan Straus who left when he didn't get on with Francois Pienaar.

Oddly enough, Tiaan came here to play Rugby League. He had at least one season of Cross Country Wrestling before crossing over to rugby. Interestingly, his time with the NSW Waratahs saw a lot of internal bickering and a coach undermined. Damn rugby-playing lawyers!

	23-07-2002 04:43									#210
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization 2

quote: Originally posted by Mickeyj Hmm quite a few people unhappy about the ref, the players knew what they were in for and should have been better disciplined.

Agree.

quote: Does anyone know why he didn't call a scrum when the kick-off didn't go ten?

I didn't see the whole game and missed this incident. According to one of the whingers at Planet Rugby, the ref just called play on. If so - and if an opposing player hadn't touched the ball - the ref got it wrong. If an opposing player hasn't touched the ball, the opposing skipper has two choices: another kick off; or a scrum on halfway.