02-03-2003 12:15									#391
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Glaws 16 - a deperately unlucky Tigers side 11.

Dean Richards must have been watching a different match:

"We didn't play well on the day and we didn't deserve to win" - Dean Richards.



I suppose he was being polite.

	02-03-2003 12:18									#392
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quote: Originally posted by Bearcat I traded punches with one of their locks (I think it was a lock)

Did you have to stand on a chair to reach his chin? If so, he was a lock.

Great report too!

	02-03-2003 12:19									#393
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Damn DP!

	02-03-2003 19:04									#394
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Stade Toulousain 26 - Sporting Union Agenais 6

Interesting first half followed by one of the poorest halves I have been given the opportunity to watch at. Fistfights, poor play, a mockery of Rugby in front of a crowd of 18,000 (a stadium "plein comme un oeuf" as we say, "as full as an egg"). The second half was so dull that after 30' of play we could believe the half had just started 2' ago, impossible to remember anything about it to the exception of a tough (but regular) tackle of Ntamack (Stade Toulousain) on an offended Gelez (France and Agen flyhalf), he was "vexé comme un pou" ("offended like a louse") as we say in France.

A great surprise at Montferrand, the Football Club de Grenoble has won against the Association Sportive Montferrandaise 17-14, qualifying itself for the Play-Off (second phase leading to the semi-finals) and "qualifying" the Montferrandais for the Play-Down (leading to Pro D2, second division, for the last two clubs of the second phase to come).

Bearcat, it is good to hear some Rugby news from the USA. It is interesting to note that the number of licensees in the USA is one of the highest in the world though it seems to be mainly a game played in the universities. I have heard that Rugby was starting to attract some audience and was currently gathering more and more followers.

	02-03-2003 20:34									#395
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You didn’t pick my use of irony Finbar? I should have out desperately unlucky in quotes?

Well a day later and having watched the game again one has to admit the Glaws scored two beautiful tries and on balance probably deserved the win on the day. If only they hadn’t indulged in the gamesmanship at the death – for what makes it all the more ironic is that it looks like the RFU may well strip them of the win. That distasteful little bit of gamesmanship at the death has caused problems. It seems they may not have told the truth about the experience of the players they had in the front row when the uncontested scrums were ordered. As two scrums then took place right in front of their line and Josh had just been pushed over for a try there is a strong possibility they would have conceded a match losing try. And there in lies the reason the RFU are now involved.

Silly silly stuff Glaws. The options are apparently to do nothing (i.e their cheating was ‘okay’), to order a replay, or to strip Glaws of the win and throw them out the competition. I’m not sure how I feel about it – it strikes a wrong note for me but their fans were so disrespectful of their opposition that I would be happy to see them made sad – plenty and often as they say.

As I write with 15 mins left Northampton are beating London Irish easily (31-9) though their open side has been yellow carded and may be in big trouble as he told Chris White “you are having a shocker” as he went off – and this is not soccer.

White is having a fairly solid game actually – he is letting it flow just right. Oh and Finbar Mark Connors showed great strength to power through for Saints second try. Earning his pension nicely.

Cal I take your point – it is an unusual thread in that we all largely get on and treat banter for what it is – non too serious It’s still likely I’ll stray occasionally into opinions you don’t like to see in the thread. I get little time to post and what I do tends to go to this thread. I don’t see it as a ‘show-stopping’ issue that’s for sure but I may take you up on the PM way to discuss it if I think we are 'getting your goat' again.

	03-03-2003 03:15									#396
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quote: Originally posted by Havak You didn?t pick my use of irony Finbar? I should have out desperately unlucky in quotes?

Irony? Given the context of the rest of the post? Maybe we should invent an irony smilie.

quote: Well a day later and having watched the game again one has to admit the Glaws scored two beautiful tries and on balance probably deserved the win on the day.

That seems to fit with everything I've now read about the game.

quote: It seems they may not have told the truth about the experience of the players they had in the front row when the uncontested scrums were ordered.

If that's the case, they were stupid. It's schoolboy stuff. How on earth could the top side in the comp think their players' experience - or lack of - wouldn't be widely known? So who involved the authorities? This sort of accusation is made from time to time but it's very difficult to prove either way - how much experience is enough experience?

	03-03-2003 03:43									#397
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quote: Originally posted by finbar Did you have to stand on a chair to reach his chin? If so, he was a lock.

Actually he punched me off the ground at a ruck. I was standing over the ruck and he was lying down on the ground (hence, why I said I thought it was a lock) and he reached up and punched me on the thigh. I hadn't kicked, hit, touched, or rucked him in any way to make him do it, so I was kind of offended and I started swinging away at him

quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin Bearcat, it is good to hear some Rugby news from the USA. It is interesting to note that the number of licensees in the USA is one of the highest in the world though it seems to be mainly a game played in the universities. I have heard that Rugby was starting to attract some audience and was currently gathering more and more followers.

Yes, most of the rugby played in the USA is played at the high school (my level) and college level. We do have a fair share of adult clubs though. My region has quite a few. One of our better rugby programs is the University of California at Berkely rugby team. They have been NCAA champions for something like 12 years running, and are coached by Jack Clark who was formerly a lock on the Eagles XV. I'm planning on continuing to play after I graduate high school, but I won't be going to Cal.

	03-03-2003 09:53									#398
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quote: Originally posted by Bearcat Actually he punched me off the ground at a ruck. I was standing over the ruck and he was lying down on the ground (hence, why I said I thought it was a lock) and he reached up and punched me on the thigh. I hadn't kicked, hit, touched, or rucked him in any way to make him do it, so I was kind of offended and I started swinging away at him

If you'd asked him if his name was J**** and he'd grunted in the affirmative, I wouldn't have been in the least surprised.

quote: Yes, most of the rugby played in the USA is played at the high school (my level) and college level. We do have a fair share of adult clubs though. My region has quite a few. One of our better rugby programs is the University of California at Berkely rugby team. They have been NCAA champions for something like 12 years running, and are coached by Jack Clark who was formerly a lock on the Eagles XV. I'm planning on continuing to play after I graduate high school, but I won't be going to Cal.

Bear in mind, Bearcat, if you'll pardon the ripping off of part of your name, that we, of this thread, will support you and your American colleagues in the development of the game in your country. Until you get too good, when we will do our best to undermine you. For example, look at all us SH posters and our attitude to England.

	03-03-2003 13:38									#399
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quote: Maybe we should invent an irony smilie.

And given recent events in the thread maybe a red card smilie too?

quote: That seems to fit with everything I've now read about the game.

They enjoyed the upper hand until about the last fifteen minutes when our forwards started to gain the ascendancy. We were camped on their line, they conceded a pushover try, we returned to their line, they gave two penalties away for collapsing the maul then knocked on in contact losing the put in and suddenly – injured prop! Very convenient.

quote: So who involved the authorities?

It seems to have been the media funnily enough. The RFU told the BBC they are waiting for Lander’s report before commenting on the issue. John Inverdale, the BBC anchor yesterday, said he had spoken to ‘quite senior’ RFU officials (whatever that might mean) who indicated tough action might be taken. It could all just be smoke of course.

I found a link that helps - it seems the law in question is a very badly worded one!

find it here

quote: how much experience is enough experience?

Having played in the position in a first class game and lived to tell the tale?

quote: For example, look at all us SH posters and our attitude to England.

Yes all we missed from you SH guys was that phase of encouragement. It went straight from laughing stock to object of hate?

	03-03-2003 17:37									#400
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quote: Originally posted by Havak And given recent events in the thread maybe a red card smilie too?

Don't get me started on that one.

quote: They enjoyed the upper hand until about the last fifteen minutes when our forwards started to gain the ascendancy. We were camped on their line, they conceded a pushover try, we returned to their line, they gave two penalties away for collapsing the maul then knocked on in contact losing the put in and suddenly ? injured prop! Very convenient.

I also noticed a reference in one of the reports to one of the Tigers players deserving - but not getting - a yellow for deliberately killing the ball near the try line.

quote: It seems to have been the media funnily enough. The RFU told the BBC they are waiting for Lander?s report before commenting on the issue.

The ref made the judgement, didn't he? How culpible is he if, in fact, there were adequate front rowers available?

quote: John Inverdale, the BBC anchor yesterday, said he had spoken to ?quite senior? RFU officials (whatever that might mean) who indicated tough action might be taken. It could all just be smoke of course.

I suspect it will go exactly nowhere.

quote: I found a link that helps - it seems the law in question is a very badly worded one!

I'm baffled twice by the law. What's the reference to "first and second" (or whatever the numbers are) at the beginning of the law? And what on earth does it mean by losing the match? I've never heard of that happening. It has to be some sort of typo.

quote: Yes all we missed from you SH guys was that phase of encouragement. It went straight from laughing stock to object of hate?

You missed the first and last steps - "derision".

	03-03-2003 18:57									#401
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quote: I also noticed a reference in one of the reports to one of the Tigers players deserving - but not getting - a yellow for deliberately killing the ball near the try line.

Quite right – and he should have seen one. Mr Kronfeld sadly.

quote: The ref made the judgement, didn't he? How culpible is he if, in fact, there were adequate front rowers available?

Not very I suspect – he has to take the statement of the coach concerned at face value unless he has personally helemd a game where a player played that position I would have thought. Tournament officials present should be verifying off the field of play?

Either way I think the tractors were a little naughty – naughty tactics by players are one thing – avoiding an important part of the game, and unfairly so, just tastes a little wrong?

quote: I suspect it will go exactly nowhere.

By choice as a club we don’t cite for foul play. I suspect this too will be let go. I wouldn’t like to be the Glaws forwards should we meet them in the play off final now though. Revenge is a dish best served cold?

quote: And what on earth does it mean by losing the match? I've never heard of that happening. It has to be some sort of typo.

I think the confusion arises because they are tournament regulations relating to this cup compo rather than laws as I first thought. They should have had a lawyer, or better a writer, read through them before publishing!

quote: You missed the first and last steps - "derision".

	03-03-2003 20:12									#402
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Well well. Jonno has twinged his achilles so Wilko becomes Captain for the Italian game Saturday.

This Six nations is really testing our squad depth.

	04-03-2003 03:09									#403
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Not very I suspect ? he has to take the statement of the coach concerned at face value unless he has personally helemd a game where a player played that position I would have thought. Tournament officials present should be verifying off the field of play?

Someone should have been verifying it. There are always questions asked when an uncontested scrum is proposed. According to the report you linked to, the two replacement players were a prop and a hooker! All very bizarre. I did once see an uncontested scrum when one of the props was injured but couldn't be replaced because there were no fit replacements.

quote: I wouldn?t like to be the Glaws forwards should we meet them in the play off final now though. Revenge is a dish best served cold?

I genuinely think that's a perfectly appropriate means of dealing with the matter.

quote: I think the confusion arises because they are tournament regulations relating to this cup compo rather than laws as I first thought. They should have had a lawyer, or better a writer, read through them before publishing!

So, in that tournament, a team requiring an uncontested scrum automatically loses the match? I don't believe it. But if it's true - then the law wasn't followed. Very very strange.

	04-03-2003 07:19									#404
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quote: Originally posted by finbar If you'd asked him if his name was J**** and he'd grunted in the affirmative, I wouldn't have been in the least surprised.

No, he wasn't bald. Couldn't of been Martin Johnson.

quote: Bear in mind, Bearcat, if you'll pardon the ripping off of part of your name, that we, of this thread, will support you and your American colleagues in the development of the game in your country. Until you get too good, when we will do our best to undermine you. For example, look at all us SH posters and our attitude to England.

That probably won't be for another 10 years or so, when Americans finally realize rugby's innate superiority to football and b*sketball. In any case, I'm sure I'll remember what you said if and when the Eagles ever beat the Wallabies

	04-03-2003 08:32									#405
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quote: Originally posted by Bearcat That probably won't be for another 10 years or so, when Americans finally realize rugby's innate superiority to football and b*sketball. In any case, I'm sure I'll remember what you said if and when the Eagles ever beat the Wallabies

Needless to say a well known supporter of the Wallabies would explain you have beaten a B Team.

	04-03-2003 08:38									#406
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I'm really looking forward to the Blues v Crusaders game, I've even roped in one of my non-rugby-watching american friends to watch with me. I'm hoping if I explain the rules, and it's an entertaining game, that I might be able to convert him. Pray for me my brothers...

	04-03-2003 08:44									#407
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quote: Originally posted by Frozzy I guess... but to rub it in some people had to vandalise the Chiefs logo! http://apolyton.net/forums/showthre...354#post1776354

That is hilarious!

	04-03-2003 09:22									#408
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quote: Originally posted by Caligastia I'm really looking forward to the Blues v Crusaders game, I've even roped in one of my non-rugby-watching american friends to watch with me. I'm hoping if I explain the rules, and it's an entertaining game, that I might be able to convert him.

If there are any local clubs and he's interested, try to get him to play. That's how I got to love the game, by running with the ball and tackling.

	04-03-2003 09:25									#409
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quote: Originally posted by Bearcat If there are any local clubs and he's interested, try to get him to play. That's how I got to love the game, by running with the ball and tackling.

Good suggestion, but unfortunately we are both way too busy for that. Life in the big city is too damn hectic!

	04-03-2003 15:11									#410
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quote: According to the report you linked to, the two replacement players were a prop and a hooker! All very bizarre.

It resulted in a situation where one prop and two hookers were on the field. One of those Hookers (Azam) can and has played prop but was less than forthcoming on the fact shall we say. Anyway it’s a dead duck – the RFU met for three hours yesterday and decided on balance that there was not quite sufficient grounds to overturn the result. Tigers have 48 hours to appeal but the club has said we are unlikely to. For all the criticism we get from other supporters we do have a history of ‘taking it on the chin’. I’m not sure I personally would be so kind – as I say I have no problem with what occurs between the 44 men who may be on the field – chicanery is part of the game after all – but a side that avoids the very bnature of the game by avoiding scrums without cause is a different matter. I don’t think Gloucester have emerged looking very good from this? Best team in the country? The jury is very much out on that. Best coached? Thats a safer bet.

I look forward to Steve Lander’s next visit to Welford Road

quote: I genuinely think that's a perfectly appropriate means of dealing with the matter

See the above – I think that’s what the club is looking for. The way our forwards buckled down and started to work them over after the tries were leaked I have good reason to feel optimistic should we make the final.

quote: So, in that tournament, a team requiring an uncontested scrum automatically loses the match? I don't believe it. But if it's true - then the law wasn't followed. Very very strange.

Smacks of ‘Shamateurism’ still does it not?

quote: No, he wasn't bald. Couldn't of been Martin Johnson.

Difficult to know what to say here Bearcat!

quote: I'm sure I'll remember what you said if and when the Eagles ever beat the Wallabies

You know what Finbar – I like this guy. Good attitude.

quote: Needless to say a well known supporter of the Wallabies would explain you have beaten a B Team.

I think Finbar has only ever hinted at that in regards to the ABs last year. I recall him being quite critical of the Wallabies after the Ireland game?

quote: I'm hoping if I explain the rules, and it's an entertaining game, that I might be able to convert him. Pray for me my brothers...

Always happy to support such a noble cause.

quote: That's how I got to love the game, by running with the ball and tackling.

Ah it was similar for me too. Minus the running part.

	04-03-2003 15:46									#411
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quote: Originally posted by Bearcat No, he wasn't bald. Couldn't of been Martin Johnson.

No, J****'s not bald. Just lantern-jawed and on the dim side.

quote: In any case, I'm sure I'll remember what you said if and when the Eagles ever beat the Wallabies

Could be very soon the way our Super 12 teams are playing!

	04-03-2003 15:47									#412
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin Needless to say a well known supporter of the Wallabies would explain you have beaten a B Team.

	04-03-2003 16:09									#413
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quote: Originally posted by Havak It resulted in a situation where one prop and two hookers were on the field. One of those Hookers (Azam) can and has played prop but was less than forthcoming on the fact shall we say.

A-ha. One prop and two hookers. That situation arose in S12 either last season or the season before. The scrum was contested. It does depend on the experience - and courage - of the spare hooker. A certain Les Bleus supporter, of course, would explain that differentiating between contested and uncontested scrums in the SH scrum is the ultimate definition of splitting straws.

quote: For all the criticism we get from other supporters we do have a history of ?taking it on the chin?.

Not often enough. Oh! You were writing metaphorically ... Sorry! As you were.

quote: Smacks of ?Shamateurism? still does it not?

Smacks of nonsense to me. Unless, eons ago, a team could lose a match because of an uncontested scrum. I can't believe it, though.

quote: Difficult to know what to say here Bearcat!

I had no problem finding something to say in reply.

quote: You know what Finbar ? I like this guy. Good attitude.

Learning too fast for my liking!

quote: I think Finbar has only ever hinted at that in regards to the ABs last year. I recall him being quite critical of the Wallabies after the Ireland game?

Hinted? An entire second-string scrum packs down? And, despite your claim - statistically - to have pushed them off the park, the onfield evidence was to the contrary. Be that as it may, I did pay out on the Wallabies after the Ireland game. They deserved it. I've since seen a mini-doco on the NH tour. S. Larkham explained away the Irish debacle on the basis that the defence coach had been drilling new moves into the team and the team got confused. Spare me, please!

quote: Ah it was similar for me too. Minus the running part.

I wish you hadn't written that. I now shan't sleep tonight for fear of closing my eyes and seeing Havak hauling himself around the paddock!

	04-03-2003 17:50									#414
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quote: Originally posted by finbar A certain Les Bleus supporter, of course, would explain that differentiating between contested and uncontested scrums in the SH scrum is the ultimate definition of splitting straws.

Hey! This is my job to hit you with the stick you have handled me.

quote: Smacks of nonsense to me. Unless, eons ago, a team could lose a match because of an uncontested scrum. I can't believe it, though.

In this case shame should kill! I would have no qualms at declaring the game lost for Gloucester as what they have done is like cheating.

I am really angry because the grotesque behaviour of these fools are killing the game of Rugby. In the French Championship, two clubs have already used this trick to avoid a loss this year (and one is Montferrand which we can consider as my Gloucester though the place of most disliked club in France is now contested by Agen and the pitiful spirit of its supporters). There are more and more reports about uncontested scrums in the various championships and it is really a shame. In the Six Nations Tournament the SH referees (and Mr Honiss ahead of the others) are clearly hindering, if not preventing, the scrum work. In the S12 and the Tri-Nations the scrums are almost uncontested since a few years now and the leaders of the NH unions are defending the scrum with the vigor and the speed of a snail.

I don't want our game to become a crossover between Rugby and L*****.

quote: Learning too fast for my liking!

Come on Bearcat, this means you are on the good path...

quote: Hinted? An entire second-string scrum packs down? And, despite your claim - statistically - to have pushed them off the park, the onfield evidence was to the contrary.

See Bearcat, you have ten years to prepare yourself though you have an advantage over Havak, and only a half one over Caligastia, as you are not English...

quote: I wish you hadn't written that. I now shan't sleep tonight for fear of closing my eyes and seeing Havak hauling himself around the paddock!

Fear? I would have thought you would rather burst out laughing...

	04-03-2003 19:37									#415
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quote: No, J****'s not bald. Just lantern-jawed and on the dim side.

The guy reportedly has a keen analytical mind.

quote: It does depend on the experience - and courage - of the spare hooker

But here is the thing – the initial hooker was the one with propping experience –surely the hooker who came on could have ‘hooked’ whilst the incumbent moved to prop?

quote: differentiating between contested and uncontested scrums in the SH scrum is the ultimate definition of splitting straws.

quote: Not often enough. Oh! You were writing metaphorically ... Sorry! As you were.

You are really on form today.

quote: Smacks of nonsense to me. Unless, eons ago, a team could lose a match because of an uncontested scrum. I can't believe it, though.

Anything is possible in the murky past of British rugger. But the regs should have been read more carefully recently that is for sure.

quote: I had no problem finding something to say in reply.

But something with a grain of truth would have been nice.

quote: Learning too fast for my liking!

Yes, definitely showing promise.

quote: An entire second-string scrum packs down? And, despite your claim - statistically - to have pushed them off the park, the onfield evidence was to the contrary.

Okay, so it was a STRONG hint then.

Onfield ‘evidence’ is a tricky thing – we had nearly two thirds of the ball and that’s something tangible in black and white. You might then rightfully criticise us for not utilising it much.

quote: S. Larkham explained away the Irish debacle on the basis that the defence coach had been drilling new moves into the team and the team got confused. Spare me, please!

A classic example of a team not taking it on the chin perhaps?

quote: I now shan't sleep tonight for fear of closing my eyes and seeing Havak hauling himself around the paddock!

It’s a justifiably scary image.

quote: In this case shame should kill! I would have no qualms at declaring the game lost for Gloucester as what they have done is like cheating.

I could argue they hate us so much, and are so jealous of our recent success that they would feel no shame had they fielded 30 men to beat us.

Maybe the scrums do need looking at again. I’m not sure I should comment on Mr Honiss again though? I thought some of our scrums against the SH sides in November were fiercely contested in actual fact. I think they realised it was not an aspect of the game to ignore against us.

quote: I don't want our game to become a crossover between Rugby and L*****.

And there of course is the fear we face with these scrum machinations by coaches.

quote: See Bearcat, you have ten years to prepare yourself though you have an advantage over Havak, and only a half one over Caligastia, as you are not English...

Until such time as your forwards become as good as ours or France’s at which time Finbar will try to subvert their superiority with what I would call ‘rose-tinted recall’ as above.

On the other hand he will no doubt accuse me of exactly the same, at which point I have to reply – England won!



There – saved loads of time.

quote: Fear? I would have thought you would rather burst out laughing...

Only those with a life saving turn of pace ever dared to laugh. Those without that, or with poor side steps, tended to see the serious side of things. And from a radically new perspective.

	05-03-2003 03:38									#416
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin Hey! This is my job to hit you with the stick you have handled me.

Watch out for splinters!

quote: In the S12 and the Tri-Nations the scrums are almost uncontested since a few years now

Encore une fois!

quote: Come on Bearcat, this means you are on the good path...

I think it's time stopped being kind to Bearcat and dealt with him as brutally as we deal with each other!

quote: Fear? I would have thought you would rather burst out laughing...

You're quite right. Imagine having to change the sheets in the middle of the night.

	05-03-2003 03:55									#417
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quote: Originally posted by Havak The guy reportedly has a keen analytical mind.

Your use of the word "reportedly" is noted.

quote: But here is the thing ? the initial hooker was the one with propping experience ?surely the hooker who came on could have ?hooked? whilst the incumbent moved to prop?

Well, indeed. Sounds like a put-up job, which is a pity.

quote: You are really on form today.

A bit liverish. One of my heirloom tomato seedlings keeled over and died. Ungrateful bastard of a thing!

quote: But something with a grain of truth would have been nice.

Precedents are dangerous things to set.

quote: Onfield ?evidence? is a tricky thing ? we had nearly two thirds of the ball and that?s something tangible in black and white. You might then rightfully criticise us for not utilising it much.

Yes, indeed, so I win the argument either way.

quote: Maybe the scrums do need looking at again. I?m not sure I should comment on Mr Honiss again though? I thought some of our scrums against the SH sides in November were fiercely contested in actual fact. I think they realised it was not an aspect of the game to ignore against us.

I don't know about north of the equator, but this season's S12 is seeing the refs - as well as very strictly policing the tackler rolling away and entering "through the gate" behind the last feet - also cracking down on the front row activities. They're getting one warning about pushing before the ball is in before they're penalised. They're getting one warning about going in straight and level - rather than angled and upwards - before they're penalised. I'm sure it's all coming from the IRB in preparation for the WRC. And the refs, obviously, are performing to the letter of the IRB law because they want brownie points towards getting a reffing gig in the WRC.

quote: Only those with a life saving turn of pace ever dared to laugh. Those without that, or with poor side steps, tended to see the serious side of things. And from a radically new perspective.

SCENE: A muddy paddock somewhere deep in rural Leicester.

CAST: HAVAK, HIS COACH

COACH: "Hey Havak! Run! The play's fifty yards away!"

HAVAK: "If I wait here long enough it'll come back this way!"

	05-03-2003 04:05									#418
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On a sour note - Blues' lock Troy Flavell was suspended for 3 months for stomping an opponent's head last weekend. He could - and should - have got 12 months or more. I watched another replay of the incident last night. The opponent tripped and fell in a maul. With the ball nowhere near them, Flavell waited till the opponent had hit the ground before he proceeded to stamp half a dozen times on the opponent's unprotected head and only stopped when the other players intervened. The opponent was left gashed and bleeding. I've seen Troy Flavell do - and try to do - this before. The sooner he's out of the game the better.

	05-03-2003 06:31									#419
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quote: Originally posted by finbar Watch out for splinters!

Don't be so preposterous your head is not so hard that the stick will split unto it...

quote: Encore une fois!

This is the Southern Hemisphere Scrum Waltz... play it again sam!

quote: I think it's time stopped being kind to Bearcat and dealt with him as brutally as we deal with each other!

Ye ar' dam' right, ze next rezults of the Eagles will giv' us ze opportunity to show him we're naughty boys.


Spit...


Ding!

quote: You're quite right. Imagine having to change the sheets in the middle of the night.

You have been warned, you will see life differently when you will have only one eye to look at it when your other eye will be closed right after a hooker's punch.

quote: On a sour note - Blues' lock Troy Flavell was suspended for 3 months for stomping an opponent's head last weekend. He could - and should - have got 12 months or more. I watched another replay of the incident last night. The opponent tripped and fell in a maul. With the ball nowhere near them, Flavell waited till the opponent had hit the ground before he proceeded to stamp half a dozen times on the opponent's unprotected head and only stopped when the other players intervened. The opponent was left gashed and bleeding. I've seen Troy Flavell do - and try to do - this before. The sooner he's out of the game the better.

This kind of players, like the infamous SA forward I have forgotten the name, should be permanently banned by their respective federations. I really don't understand why they are allowed to play Rugby again.

quote: I don't know about north of the equator, but this season's S12 is seeing the refs - as well as very strictly policing the tackler rolling away and entering "through the gate" behind the last feet - also cracking down on the front row activities. They're getting one warning about pushing before the ball is in before they're penalised. They're getting one warning about going in straight and level - rather than angled and upwards - before they're penalised. I'm sure it's all coming from the IRB in preparation for the WRC. And the refs, obviously, are performing to the letter of the IRB law because they want brownie points towards getting a reffing gig in the WRC.

The referees of the Six Nations Tournament have also been given similar instructions though the ones coming from the SH are also striving to hinder the pushes in the scrums. Are the instructions similar in the SH...

quote: HAVAK: "If I wait here long enough it'll come back this way!"

	05-03-2003 06:34									#420
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quote: Originally posted by Havak On the other hand he will no doubt accuse me of exactly the same, at which point I have to reply – England won!

Ditto for me in reference to those NZ-Wales games we were talking about.