09-09-2002 12:56									#31
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

quote: Here you can say France has a better team than England, which will infuriate Havak

Not at all. It would have to be true to upset me.

quote: You beat Harlequins pretty easily. They're only average, aren't they?

From what I saw of them I would have to say “not even” there. They had a lot of pressure, particularly the first twenty of the second half, but time and again came away with nothing. The back line looks bereft of ideas – even Will Greenwood had a tame game.

Interestingly of course they finished one above the team that beat us last week – that is to say 11 out out 12.

I was more satisfied with us this weekend – it was a much more solid performance. I think however we will meet more teams like Leeds than Quins – and poor Quins will need to work hard to avoid the drop.

I don’t know if you have decided on your club yet? Saracens have started really well for once but I have to say from what I have seen and read Gloucester are looking awesome – they destroyed Sale on Saturday (the team that beat them to second last time out).

Jonno? Ah yes. I think Mr Barnes was talking out his rectum frankly. He did spill twice when carrying ball, which I guess by his standards is poor, but outside that didn’t do a lot wrong. He was certainly still a presence at the rucks and mauls and his lineout was as solid as ever. I still wouldn’t like to face him.

Where I am still worried is Mr Healey – he is not convincing me at Fly Half at all. Plus the lad he displaced went to Saracens and is proving a star for them!

Oh well – away at Sale this Friday evening – it’s not a nice place to visit during daylight.

*edit* after posting I found this quote on the BBC website match review "But they were forced to submit to the forward power generated by inspirational Tigers captain Martin Johnson and his cohorts in the pack."

Do you think Mr Barnes read it?

	09-09-2002 14:31									#32
	Full PM-box? Change here!

quote: Originally posted by Havak Not at all. It would have to be true to upset me.

Very astute answer.

quote: I don’t know if you have decided on your club yet? Saracens have started really well for once but I have to say from what I have seen and read Gloucester are looking awesome – they destroyed Sale on Saturday (the team that beat them to second last time out).

I'd actually been giving some thought to Gloucester. I have a connection via some friends who live there. Well, just outside. And the team has had the occasional Australian onboard.

quote: Where I am still worried is Mr Healey – he is not convincing me at Fly Half at all.

I read something on one of the websites about his unpredictability being a plus and a minus. Still, it warms my tiny heart to read your concern.

quote: *edit* after posting I found this quote on the BBC website match review "But they were forced to submit to the forward power generated by inspirational Tigers captain Martin Johnson and his cohorts in the pack." Do you think Mr Barnes read it?

Through the bottom of a gallon jug, possibly.

BTW, I've been watching the repeat showing of the stunning doco series The History Of Great Britain. Just past the Battle of Hastings and neither Leicester nor any of Jonno's hairy ancestors have made an appearance yet.

	09-09-2002 15:57									#33
	Support Apolyton or Terrorists Win

quote: Very astute answer.

I have enjoyed a very good teacher in these threads.

quote: I'd actually been giving some thought to Gloucester

Go for it. I don’t think there are any Aussies there just now but there will be, there is almost bound to be at some point. For now it’s a Kiwi in residence. Or a Brit if you believe the RFU. Henry Paul.

They are called the ‘Cherry and Whites’ oh so originally after their strip which is – cherry and white.

Seriously they look good. We were the only team that turned them over at their place last season – but their away form was erratic. I’ll be watching them with great interest.

quote: his unpredictability being a plus and a minus

That puts it very well. Life is never boring watching Austin, but it can be heart stopping!

quote: Still, it warms my tiny heart to read your concern.

I’m sure it does.

We should simply bite the bullet and shell out for a new Fly Half. Larkham or Merhtens available at all?

quote: Just past the Battle of Hastings and neither Leicester nor any of Jonno's hairy ancestors have made an appearance yet.

Oh they were there no doubt, as Harold’s house carls probably. You just didn’t recognise them with all those arrows sticking in them.

That is a terrific series.

	09-09-2002 19:03									#34
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

Did you get to see the Canterbury v Waikato game Havak?

	09-09-2002 19:29									#35
	Support Apolyton, buy Call to Power 2

I regret I did not get up in time after a rather hectic Friday night

I read your comments on it with great interest however.

	09-09-2002 19:36									#36
	Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

Bummer, you missed a good game. The next major match will be between Auckland and Canterbury on the 20th. Although the upcoming Wellington v Waikato should be a good one too.

I have a feeling it will be between Auckland and Waikato this year.

	10-09-2002 04:59									#37
	Suffering from ads?

quote: Originally posted by Havak For now it’s a Kiwi in residence. Or a Brit if you believe the RFU. Henry Paul.

Wasn't he the guy behind the wheel when Diana Fruit Loop carked it? Gee, talk about a comeback.

quote: We should simply bite the bullet and shell out for a new Fly Half. Larkham or Merhtens available at all?

No, but Duncan Macrae could be interested.

quote: That is a terrific series.

Isn't it? An historian able to bring history to life for the Great Unwashed without actually compromising it.

	10-09-2002 12:57									#38
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization: The Boardgame

quote: I have a feeling it will be between Auckland and Waikato this year.

Go Auckland!

quote: Wasn't he the guy behind the wheel when Diana Fruit Loop carked it?

very good

quote: No, but Duncan Macrae could be interested

Even better. He wouldn't survive five seconds after walking into the changing room for the first time.

He will never be forgiven for the exagerated broken ribs incident.

quote: Isn't it? An historian able to bring history to life for the Great Unwashed without actually compromising it.

Watch out for one in a similar vein called "Invasion" that tackles the myth of the Island fortress - it too is fascinating.

	10-09-2002 13:28									#39
	Remove this text

quote: Originally posted by Havak Go Auckland!

I really like the way you think Havak.

	10-09-2002 15:14									#40
	Remove this text

So it looks like Danny Grewcock may be banned for all three Autumn games after a red card last weekend. This is one of those bizarre situations where the RFU is convening a disciplinary panel at which the 'victim' has said he is happy to speak for the defence.

Still as the net result of a ban on Grewcock would be that England use the Tigers second row of Jonno and Kay with probably Corry covering the back five from the bench. It doesn't weaken us at all.

	10-09-2002 15:14									#41
	Increase Your PM Length

quote: Originally posted by ravagon I really like the way you think Havak.

Well, you're a Kiwi. 'Nuff said.

	10-09-2002 15:18									#42
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

quote: Originally posted by Havak So it looks like Danny Grewcock may be banned for all three Autumn games after a red card last weekend. This is one of those bizarre situations where the RFU is convening a disciplinary panel at which the 'victim' has said he is happy to speak for the defence.

The card was unwarranted?

Edit. I just checked the match report. Boots on the face? Blood? And the victim is happy to speak for the defence? On what basis? Grewcock has a history, too.

Another edit. Mmmmm. I've just read the report about the victim being happy to speak for the defence.

quote: "I have spoken to Danny about it and he says he didn't mean to kick me," said Bracken following the Vicarage Road match.

I'd've been a tad surprised if Danny had told Mr Bracken the kick was deliberate.

I hope there will be video evidence.

	10-09-2002 17:25									#43
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

Well I have to say I think Grewcock is a very clean player on the whole. That is his second red card and for a lock closing down on 30 that isn't too bad - well at least here!

But there are several dynamics at work. Danny moved from Saracens to Bath a year ago. The game involved was Saracens detroying Bath last weekend. Bracken and Danny were together at Sarries and are friends. They are also England team mates.

I can therefore think of various reasons why Bracken might defend the guy - nefarious England agendas and otherwise.

Apparently there is no good video evidence - it all hinges on the touch judges call of the incident.

And just for you Finbar check this link

English power

	10-09-2002 19:15									#44
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

quote: Originally posted by Havak But there are several dynamics at work. Danny moved from Saracens to Bath a year ago. The game involved was Saracens detroying Bath last weekend. Bracken and Danny were together at Sarries and are friends. They are also England team mates. I can therefore think of various reasons why Bracken might defend the guy - nefarious England agendas and otherwise.

My thoughts exactly.

quote: Apparently there is no good video evidence - it all hinges on the touch judges call of the incident.

Then it will be interesting. Whose word will the judiciary take? Particularly with the stakes so high?

	10-09-2002 19:20									#45
	Put an end to popups!

quote: Originally posted by Havak And just for you Finbar check this link English power

It's fair enough. You had to pull your fingers out sometime.

I hope Tamerlin and LDiCesares read it for the "rosbifs" bit.

	10-09-2002 19:38									#46
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

quote: Originally posted by finbar The "Gers"? What is it an abbreviation of? I've been all over France a couple of times. I especially love the Dordogne. There's a wee town by the name of Sarlat ...

"Gers" is the name of an area of France but I was wrong as the game was actually played in an area called "Aveyron" which is not far away from the valley of the "Dordogne". I don't know "Sarlat" but I have heard some good comments about this location, I know the "Lot" better as I have spent a week there a few years ago.

	11-09-2002 01:21									#47
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations: Deluxe Edition

quote: Originally posted by Havak Go Auckland!

Go Tigers!

I will definitely watch any games of theirs that they show on Fox.

	11-09-2002 04:32									#48
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

quote: Originally posted by Caligastia Go Tigers! I will definitely watch any games of theirs that they show on Fox.

Oh, per-leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze!

	11-09-2002 04:34									#49
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin I don't know "Sarlat" but I have heard some good comments about this location, I know the "Lot" better as I have spent a week there a few years ago.

Put it this way, Tamerlin, I'd live just about anywhere there if I had the chance.

	11-09-2002 05:36									#50
	Inflate your Upload Space

quote: Originally posted by finbar Put it this way, Tamerlin, I'd live just about anywhere there if I had the chance.

I agree with you, many locations in this area are absolutely beautiful, but if you come back you should visit "Carrenac" and "Collonges la Rouge" before making your decision. You might be surprised.

About the Stade Toulousain's match, this victory is a real relief. The first row behave correctly but the rears were rather clumsy, the article I read said Narbonne has never been in a position to really threaten the Stade Toulousain.

Saturday, the Stade will meet Mont de Marsan which was playing in Pro D2 (second division) last year. This should be the first game won away from home and the occasion to see young players. At least I hope...

	11-09-2002 08:55									#51
	Get a bigger avatar today!

quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin I agree with you, many locations in this area are absolutely beautiful, but if you come back you should visit "Carrenac" and "Collonges la Rouge" before making your decision. You might be surprised.

Stop tempting me, Tamerlin! I haven't been to those places, but they're bound to be lovely. About 20 years ago I pottered down from Perigeux to Rodez to Millau and up to Mende before heading down to the coast. On my most recent trip, I was a bit further West, heading North from Spain through Gers.

Actually, a couple of years ago, my wife had a canal boat holiday - I was stuck home here working! - in France which either started or ended in Toulouse, I forget which. And also a couple of years ago, my niece was an exchange student living with a family outside Tolouse.

quote: Saturday, the Stade will meet Mont de Marsan which was playing in Pro D2 (second division) last year. This should be the first game won away from home and the occasion to see young players. At least I hope...

I'm waiting with keen interest.

	11-09-2002 12:57									#52
	Increase Your PM Length

quote: Whose word will the judiciary take? Particularly with the stakes so high?

Generally I think the officials have to be backed in situations like that to maintain their authority. It’s only a rule of thumb of course. And that view has nothing to do with him being on Bath’s roster.

quote: I hope Tamerlin and LDiCesares read it for the "rosbifs" bit.

I wonder if they still call us that? I thought it was a Napoleonic expression?

quote: Oh, per-leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze!

Heh leave him alone – Caligastia was showing great discernment there

I got home last night to hear “Johnson calls it quits” on the local TV news. Imagine my relief to find that was Paul Johnson the Notts cricketer.

Incidentally you can get 200-1 on England winning an Ashes white wash. I've been looking for the extra zero they clearly missed off.

	11-09-2002 15:40									#53
	Tired of ads?

New Zealand have annouced there preperation for next years tri-nations. New Zealand will play England in Wellington on 14 June, Wales in Hamilton on 21 June and France in Christchurch the following weekend, although the exact date of the match is yet to be decided. (France and New Zealand are still discussing the timing of the match as the French team will be travelling to Christchurch from South America).

Two tough matches with an easy warm up game in between.

After that preperation I expect them to run away with the tri-nations to be honest - they will be firing on all cylinders by the time it starts.

In contrast Australia face only one real test when they play England. Ireland is first up for them on 7 June in Brisbane, followed by Wales a week later (in Sydney) and England on 21 June in Melbourne.

Easy wins over the Celts will not be good preperation for an England side that has already faced the All Blacks I suspect.

	11-09-2002 18:11									#54
	Get a bigger avatar today!

quote: Originally posted by Havak Generally I think the officials have to be backed in situations like that to maintain their authority. It’s only a rule of thumb of course. And that view has nothing to do with him being on Bath’s roster.

Nor, of course, anything to do with you wanting your Other Big Log partnering The Big Log in the English second row.

quote: I wonder if they still call us that? I thought it was a Napoleonic expression?

If they don't, they should. It's a wonderful expression.

quote: Heh leave him alone – Caligastia was showing great discernment there

The same discernment he showed fleeing New Zealand, I presume.

quote: Incidentally you can get 200-1 on England winning an Ashes white wash. I've been looking for the extra zero they clearly missed off.

Several extra, I'd've thought. Thorpe will throw another tizz and nick off halfway through the tour, Gough will break down again, and so on, and so on.

	11-09-2002 18:14									#55
	Browse Apolyton AD-FREE

quote: Originally posted by Havak Easy wins over the Celts will not be good preperation for an England side that has already faced the All Blacks I suspect.

We've got you after the All Blacks finish with you. Goodoh. We'll be lining up against bone fragments and DNA samples.

	11-09-2002 18:58									#56
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

quote: anything to do with you wanting your Other Big Log partnering The Big Log in the English second row.

Pure coincidence m’lud.

quote: If they don't, they should. It's a wonderful expression.

It’s never bothered me but the origins are quite dodgy on religious and culinary grounds.

“God cursed/damned Roast Beef eaters” – maybe the lads can provide the original French?

quote: The same discernment he showed fleeing New Zealand, I presume.

Or exactly the reverse?

quote: and so on, and so on.

There is some batting talent this time though – Vaughn, Trescothick, Butcher – good lads all (and not a Leicester lad in sight).

quote: We've got you after the All Blacks finish with you. Goodoh. We'll be lining up against bone fragments and DNA samples.

Not until the Tri-nations starts.

	11-09-2002 20:19									#57
	Increase Your PM Length

quote: If they don't, they should. It's a wonderful expression.

We do. There's even a pub in Paris called "The frog and roastbeef". It is clearly an English pub, but they still talk about the frog, probably to say Frenchmen are welcome. Unfortunately most Frenchmen don't read English, and even if they do, they don't ea frogs, so they probably don't get it... I don't know where the expression comes from.

	12-09-2002 03:53									#58
	Get a bigger avatar today!

quote: Originally posted by finbar About 20 years ago I pottered down from Perigeux to Rodez to Millau...

The location of the Live Role Playing Game was between Rodez and Millau a few kilometers away from "Severac Le Chateau" (actually in the "Aveyron" and not in the "Gers" as I told it earlier).

quote: Actually, a couple of years ago, my wife had a canal boat holiday - I was stuck home here working! - in France which either started or ended in Toulouse...

How lucky they are, Toulouse is a wonderful town with a great history, of course I'am a bit biased.

	12-09-2002 03:58									#59
	Support Apolyton

quote: Originally posted by LDiCesare We do. There's even a pub in Paris called "The frog and roastbeef". It is clearly an English pub, but they still talk about the frog, probably to say Frenchmen are welcome. Unfortunately most Frenchmen don't read English, and even if they do, they don't eat frogs, so they probably don't get it... I don't know where the expression comes from.

There is also an English pub called "the frog and Rosbeef" in Toulouse, this pub is almost facing my future appartment.

I don't know the origin of the expression.

	12-09-2002 05:49									#60
	Got spare money?

quote: Originally posted by Havak There is some batting talent this time though – Vaughn, Trescothick, Butcher – good lads all (and not a Leicester lad in sight).

I watched quite a bit of the England -v- India series just concluded on FoxSports. Yes, the chaps you name have obvious ability - Vaughn and Trescothick, in particular - but their real test will be the harder pitches out here with much more bounce in them. Not to mention a couple of handy quicks barging in at them.

And, frankly, what Nasser was doing setting defensive fields in the final Test with 500+ runs on the board is beyond me.

And, even more frankly, I don't think I've seen many bigger pretenders than Flintoff.

quote: Not until the Tri-nations starts.

I just had a look at the Tri-Nations draw. On paper, it favours the Wallabies and disadvantages the All Blacks. They start against the Boks at altitude over there, then play us here in Sydney one week later. That's an ask. We have a week off between matches. Apparently the All Blacks wanted the draw coreographed that way in order for the Bledisloe return match to be played in Auckland on the 100th anniversary of Tests between New Zealand and Australia. Regardless of who it finishes up favouring - and whether it even has an impact - it's nice to see tradition being honoured. Only in Rugby, I say, only in Rugby.