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Caligastia
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quote:
Originally posted by finbar
I hope so, for his sake. He's a very exciting player. But it's a big step from S12 to Test rugby, particularly in the area of defence. The Blues' style doesn't call on his defence. |
He hasn't been tested much, I agree, but I do remember one or two occasions in which he handled himself well. I remember because I was suprised by his competence in this area (considering flashy wingers usually aren't).
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Caligastia
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quote:
Originally posted by finbar
I notice Stu Dickinson is now reffing England -v- ABs. It could have been worse. It was to be the erratic, baffling Peter Marshall until he buggered his leg reffing in the club comp last weekend. |
Where's Stu from? I don't remember him off the top of my head...what was the last major game he reffed?
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Havak
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Swing Low, Sweet Chariots.
Aug 1999
time: 05:27
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quote:
I think the weather probably worked against the Maori too. The game was knock-ons galore for both sides, so very little fancy passing bore any fruit. |
Strange that you talk about it in terms of it hampering the Maoris and give no credit to a side that coped with the conditions better. Nicely illustrates the point about England not getting an inch don’t you think? 
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"They've got a line-up out wide - trouble is they're all fatties!" |
Not funny actually – just plain rude. When it is p****** it down it makes no sense to throw the ball wide – you use your forwards to keep hold of it and drive the opposition back. That the commentator did not like the fact that England were better at that is his problem not ours surely?
It's a strange one this - it's very legitimate to win a game through forward superiority but just doesn't seem to be popular with SH types. Any connection to the fact that NH teams are stronger in that area? Of course not! 
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So J****, unless backed up by the pick of 4 rugby countries, had no more or less success than The Sainted One. |
Um yes he has – because he has the series win there whereas Ealesy two games were only in one off fixtures. Not to mention their creative use of ‘partisan’ video officials to salvage one of the June 2000 tests. And did Ealesy down their colours whilst they were world champs? Emphatically not. In fact just one month after Jonno beat them in that series Ealesy got handed his biggest mauling as a Wallaby player by them if I recall? I’ll not quote the score here.
Your home record against them is quite good of course – but ours is better. 
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Um, I think they are. |
Well to be fair you have been very consistent in how highly you rate them. It was elements of their media claiming the Maoris were all the form S12 players and could hand England their tails. The big question for me is are the ABs as good as you think they are when facing a team as good as I think England are?
Zinzan believes Jack and the other lock can target Thompsons throwing – but also points out the hooker picked for the ABs could not hit a barn door in the S12 season just gone. He thinks the line outs will be very open.
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I'll read it in a minute. But here you go again seeking solace in the rantings of lunatics. |
I did say he came from a minority viewpoint. But it is a disturbing one – that hard core of Kiwis who seem to think they have some divine right to forever be the best team on the planet and that whenever they lose it is some devious conspiracy of the weather or cheating opponents rather than simply being outplayed on the day.
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The real tests (so to speak) are yet to come. |
Yes Ireland were poor. Without BOD their back line looks bereft of ideas and the Murphy at 13 experiment failed. Their forwards disappointed me more – very lacklustre with the exception of the prodigal son Gleeson. At leats he worked hard.
Well I hope for all our sakes that we make a better fist of it – although I can’t see Wales being a challenge. Hopefully we can give you the Test you are after.
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Again, why bother about lunatics? |
It’s hard to get away from Glaws fans sometimes.
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I wonder about the average age of your pack on hard grounds, though. The ball has to reach the backs, y'see. |
Don’t worry about the pack – they are not the ones facing the big test in that area. Our weak point remains the centres – particularly Tindall who is workmanlike at best. If only Ollie Smith were fit…
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Careful, you're succumbing to J. Lindsay Syndrome. |
I was attempting to use extremely sarcastic humour – didn’t quite pull it off.
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Care to double up on the 50 Civ Gold that the ABs will take the WRC? |
Is my marker good? I’m sure I don’t have the funds otherwise?
I agree the ABs are right up there – but what they lack is a strong captain on the field. In fact has Mitchell picked the same chap six months running since taking the helm?
I also refuse to write the Wallabies off at home. Woodward considers them favourites and I think I agree.
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That's what I meant. :nodding agreement: |
Being England coach is a poisons chalice in most sports. S***** is worst of all but Rugger is not far behind.
Look at the cricket side – they just blew Zimbabwe away in three days for the second time in a fortnight and what did the press say? “When are you going to do it to Austrlalia Nasser?”. You can’t win for trying with them.
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It could be Baked Beans on Toast. |
I’m sure they will understand? It’s 8am and 10am for me so I guess that takes care of Saturday morning?
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I recall remarking on the younger players in the team that beat us over there in the Tri-Nations last season. They did show some imagination and initiative. I'm not sure where they've gone. |
He’s still got them in the squad hasn’t he? Guys like Conradie and Russell? I suspect he has coached the smart heads up rugby out of them. One starts to realise why the Welsh were happy to see him leave their club scene.
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And if they're not on song, they might get a fright. The Pumas can be very dangerous at home. |
With apologies to the French lads their team has the worrying tendency when a game is not ‘serious’ (and sometimes when it is sadly) not to put in the work rate needed. So laid back that sometimes you expect them to stop dead and light up an unfiltered cigarette.
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OTOH, just as Elton Flatley did, he will make Jason Robinson look and feel like a milko's horse. |
Except Robbo is no longer last man standing and the lad that is is a very relaxed runner indeed.
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I gather Australian Customs will be on the lookout for phials of Botulism in the Boks' RWC luggage. |
Aussie customs – an Aussie sense of humour coupled with the legal power to cavity search.  They are truly scary people!
I totally missed Caligastia’s latest reference to the great poisoning scandal of 95. Now then what was I saying above about ‘devious conmspiracies’?
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And, when you think about it, it's probably only to be expected from idiots with nothing better to do than occupy the idle time between medications by prattling endlessly about rugby on the internet. |
As the man says – but too good actually. What is the point in trying to come back to that gem?
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finbar
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Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Jan 1970
time: 06:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Havak
Strange that you talk about it in terms of it hampering the Maoris and give no credit to a side that coped with the conditions better. Nicely illustrates the point about England not getting an inch don’t you think? |
I think it illustrates it superbly, and I couldn't agree with you more. The SH's treatment of England rugby is utterly, utterly shameful.
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Not funny actually – just plain rude. |
Turn it up. Rude and funny.
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It's a strange one this - it's very legitimate to win a game through forward superiority but just doesn't seem to be popular with SH types. |
I reiterate - the SH's treatment of England rugby is utterly, utterly shameful.
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Um yes he has – because he has the series win there whereas Ealesy two games were only in one off fixtures. |
A win is a win is a win. Gertrude Stein rears her ugly - and she was - head again.
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Zinzan believes Jack and the other lock can target Thompsons throwing – but also points out the hooker picked for the ABs could not hit a barn door in the S12 season just gone. He thinks the line outs will be very open. |
Put it this way - if you can shut down their backs, you've got a perfectly good chance. If you can't, you're in deep trouble. And the key will be how much space and time Carlos gets. Oh, and I'm sure England has watched all the videos, but Carlos has developed a reverse kick very much like Australian L***** player Andrew Johns'. In fact, I'd swear Andrew Johns has given him lessons. The ABs will use it in set plays and it's just about impossible to counter with those speedsters outside him.
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Don’t worry about the pack – they are not the ones facing the big test in that area. Our weak point remains the centres – particularly Tindall who is workmanlike at best. If only Ollie Smith were fit… |
Well, they're pretty strong in that area. I don't know Nonu will go in his debut - he's like a pocket-sized Umaga - but Umaga finished the S12 in great form. How I love watching him play.
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I was attempting to use extremely sarcastic humour – didn’t quite pull it off. |
No, but practice does make, um, something.
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Is my marker good? I’m sure I don’t have the funds otherwise? |
I think you do actually. I'll have a look. But your marker is good, regardless. You are, after all, an Englishman. And, what's more, I can only reiterate that it's utterly utterly shameful how your rugby is treated in the SH.
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I agree the ABs are right up there – but what they lack is a strong captain on the field. In fact has Mitchell picked the same chap six months running since taking the helm? |
Injury aside, I think he has.
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I also refuse to write the Wallabies off at home. Woodward considers them favourites and I think I agree. |
I'll wait and see how the new and new-ish faces handle the real pressure over the next couple of months.
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Being England coach is a poisons chalice in most sports. S***** is worst of all but Rugger is not far behind.
Look at the cricket side – they just blew Zimbabwe away in three days for the second time in a fortnight and what did the press say? “When are you going to do it to Austrlalia Nasser?”. You can’t win for trying with them. |
I think they were right. Everything's relative. England rolled South Africa, Pakistan and someone else immediately before the last Ashes Tour. Look what happened out here. Zimbabwe are, unfortunately, hopeless. We have two tests coming up against Bangladesh. Meaningless in terms of measuring where one stands on the world stage. As was your Zimbabwe series.
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I’m sure they will understand? It’s 8am and 10am for me so I guess that takes care of Saturday morning? |
I'm sure they wouldn't understand. One is a Pom, Professor of Psychology at Sydney Uni, with absolutely no interest in rugby. Or cricket, for that matter. I'll watch England -v- ABs while I'm getting things ready and have to tape the Wales match.
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He’s still got them in the squad hasn’t he? Guys like Conradie and Russell? I suspect he has coached the smart heads up rugby out of them. |
Russell was one, I recall. Like greased lightning. He didn't have a clue what he was going to do next, so his teammates had even less of a clue. But he was damn hard to pin down. I must check the squad to see if he's still there.
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With apologies to the French lads their team has the worrying tendency when a game is not ‘serious’ (and sometimes when it is sadly) not to put in the work rate needed. So laid back that sometimes you expect them to stop dead and light up an unfiltered cigarette. |
Speaking of which, where on earth is Tamerlin? If he couldn't afford to go to Dublin, he sure as hell couldn't afford South America. Unless he's stowed away. If we hear out-of-tune Maurice Chevalier from overhead, we'll know he's tucked himself away in the wheel-housing of a jumbo.
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Except Robbo is no longer last man standing and the lad that is is a very relaxed runner indeed. |
Mmmm. Well, he's going to have Doug Howlett and someone even quicker to contend with. As I said in an earlier post, though, we'll see whether Rokocoko can do more than run like the blessed wind. Big test for him.
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finbar
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Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Jan 1970
time: 06:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Havak
Do they call Vatican nationals Poles? |
You can take the chappie out of Poland, you can't take Poland out of the chappie.
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Superb stuff. A true masterclass in the effective use of sarcastic humour. |
The key is that it has to be apparently utterly sincere. Straight-faced, so to speak. It's actually the basis of a lot of Australian humour - the straight-faced, p*ss-taking leg-pull.
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Observational humour has to have some connection with the truth – this didn’t. Therefore simply Rude. |
Sorry, I disagree. The basis of observational humour is hyperbole - in this case, exaggeration. Otherwise it's not humour but just the truth.
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It’s a flawed reference though isn’t it? A World cup final win is worth more than beating Ireland in June for example? |
No, a win is a win is a win - gee, I hope I don't have to pay royalties to Gertrude's estate - when we're talking about winning in South Africa. Which is what we were doing. If we'd been comparing a WRC win with a win over an undermanned, out-of-form Ireland, obviously a WRC win means more. You've been watching too much of the England centres - your step needs work. 
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Very much depends on whether the ref keeps the speedsters legal surely? |
Well, yes. But I watched the Blues do it in S12 and it was always legal. They practise it and the fliers were always legal. They don't have any reason not to be. The key to it, obviously, is that the oppo man marking the Blues winger (or full back, it will be either Rokocoko or Howlett) is taken completely unawares. The play is half the width of the paddock away and going in a different direction. Suddenly, and the flier knows when, it's not. By the time the marker has reacted, it's too late. Those fliers only need a split second.
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Spencer is a real threat – only an idiot would deny that – but I still don’t think he has the consistent quality decision making of a Wilko, and he isn’t the same presence in a defensive line that’s for sure? |
He's having a purple patch. He's had them before, this one has run a whole lot longer. I think, apart from obviously having worked very hard, he now finds himself - with the Blues - part of a sympatico package. He and the Blues are on the same wavelength, which helps enormously. Now it's a matter of taking it up a notch to Test level. He's got enough Blues around him - and a couple of fairly handy non-Blues, to boot. Even he wouldn't deny that he's been found wanting under Test pressure before, but he's stepping up this time from the best possible platform. All that said, I wouldn't compare him with anyone - at Test level - at the moment. Because he's yet to do it at Test level. I hope it works for him because rugby needs his sort of panache - as annoyingly smug as he can be to opposing supporters.
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As do I. He’s a great player. And I won’t even make a rude observational joke about his girlie hair. |
Certainly not to his face. (See my earlier note about observational humour)
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Of course that stereotypical fallacy was based on the two classes of Englishmen least deserving of the accolade – upper and middle class Englishmen were never and are not now trustworthy. I of course am from a working class origin so it is far more true of myself. |
Yes, I knew your working-class origins when I said your marker was good. The upper- and middle-class would welch on me, I know you'd rob a bank to repay me.
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Right they may have been – but the way they concentrate on the negative is markedly different to their Aussie counterparts. |
Yes, and that's always been the case. Quick to laud, quicker to pillory. You're a weird mob. To rip off a famous local book title.
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I have been wondering. Locking up his mum’s recipe books? |
He gave me half the recipe. Maybe his Mum necked him for it.
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All in all I’m really looking forward to Saturday! |
Mmmm. A pint of bitter, a crumpet and Marmite, and rugby for breakfast. Think of me slaving over a hot Ilve - that's an Italian stainless steel stove - for six people, one of them a Pom who couldn't give a flying fig about rugby. 
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finbar
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Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Jan 1970
time: 06:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Tamerlin
You are all wrong, France will win the RWC... |
Not with me on their bandwagon.
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If you were kind you could prepare them a Cassoulet cooked the day before (it's even better).  |
Yes, there are many dishes that taste even better a day later. Minestrone is one, Ribollita another. In fact, any dish combining myriad ingredients and their juices that continue to combine and mature after they're first prepared. Actually, I could have done a Cassoulet but for two things - it's too late to prepare a proper confit, and Mrs finbar is a vegetarian, meaning I couldn't use any meat, meaning it wouldn't be a real Cassoulet.
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Lightning never strikes twice at the same spot... |
They don't call les grenouilles bleues the Walking Lightning Rods for nothing, you know.
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Havak
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Swing Low, Sweet Chariots.
Aug 1999
time: 05:27
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quote:
You can take the chappie out of Poland, you can't take Poland out of the chappie. |
Hasn’t he only been back once since they became ‘democratic’? ;-)
Did you notice that the Poles voted over whelmingly to take all the UKs hard earned money earlier in the week. Sorry, I mean join the EC (or Franco-German Empire as I am increasingly sure it should now be called).
Interestingly Blair and Brown are playing a poor hand on the Euro at the moment. This nonsense of not meeting the five criteria (thought up by Gordon at a dinner party one night) isn’t being bought even by the most devout Blairite. They need to bite the bullet and either deliver the referendum the manifesto promised or do a Thatcher and say “We know best, we are going in chaps. Tally HO!”. The former might be embarassing to them – the latter is electoral suicide.
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It's actually the basis of a lot of Australian humour - the straight-faced, p*ss-taking leg-pull |
Which is shame because only a handful of your countrymen can actually pull it off. Probably the same percentage as those of mine who can. The trouble is every single ‘cobber’ thinks he is a master of the art.
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Sorry, I disagree. The basis of observational humour is hyperbole - in this case, exaggeration. |
You are welcome to disagree. You proved my point anyway as ‘exaggeration’is a connection with the truth (there must be something there you are exaggerating?). What this commentator said was surreal and possessed no such link. Therefore simply uneducated rudeness. How unusual for a TV pundit?
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No, a win is a win is a win - gee, I hope I don't have to pay royalties to Gertrude's estate - when we're talking about winning in South Africa. Which is what we were doing |
You didn’t indicate the focus was purely being kept to the South African example.
It still isn’t true anyway because the importance of a win is relative to the perspective of the observer. A win is not a win is not a win. For example a Wallaby win over England almost certainly would not mean the same as an England win over the Wallabies Saturday week – to ME. Will you allow me that small concession to your otherwise reasonable point?
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But I watched the Blues do it in S12 and it was always legal. They practise it and the fliers were always legal. They don't have any reason not to be. |
Well I didn’t see enough Blues to argue with you on that. The concept of such an honest back line at test level though is not something I’ll easily accept. We are talking the All Blacks here – they push the envelope with the best of them. I’ll be watching this kicking ploy carefully to pass my verdict.
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Now it's a matter of taking it up a notch to Test level. He's got enough Blues around him - and a couple of fairly handy non-Blues, to boot. Even he wouldn't deny that he's been found wanting under Test pressure before, but he's stepping up this time from the best possible platform. |
Isn’t it right though that nobody in S12 – even the much vaunted Canterbury pack – put the Blues forwards on the back foot. Very easy for Carlos to shine when not under pressure? His pack should be under much more pressure Saturday. One big difference with Wilko there is that at club level the Falcons forwards are frequently outplayed and Johnny has to learn how to play under that constraint. We shall see.
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Certainly not to his face. (See my earlier note about observational humour) |
I wouldn’t – but only because I’m not by nature a rude person. Physically he doesn’t worry me at all – I’ve be threatened by far more dangerous men in my time I can assure you.
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I know you'd rob a bank to repay me. |
Absolutely. And not any old bank. I’d make sure it was an exclusive bank so only ‘exclusive’ people suffered.
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You're a weird mob. To rip off a famous local book title. |
The press to be honest seem to be a separate ethnic minority.
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A pint of bitter, a crumpet and Marmite, and rugby for breakfast |
Apart from the Marmite that’s probably spot on.
Good luck with the Ilve marathon.
*shakes head* A Pom who doesn’t like rugby or cricket?
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Well, taking into account his bitterness over his sacking from both the captaincy and the ABs team - in one fell swoop - I think I might prefer a more objective opinion. |
He is a Kiwi playing in Scotland. He has no need to be nice to the English in any way. His opinion is as objective as I think we are likely to get from an exile here.
I think he has long since reconciled himself to the fact that Jack pushed him out at club and International level. Here is the thing for me - that wouldn’t seem to be too hard as Todd would never have got close to any England side at any level in the last decade – a very average lock hence his languishing in Scottish club rugby. Jack is the unknown quantity – I’ll make my own mind up on him Saturday. Young, dynamic, athletic – he seems to have received every accolade – but he has never faced the test he will Saturday.
I have to say I found the fact his views coincided with my impressions after all the nonsense around the Maori game – there is a danger certain elements in NZ are becoming arrogant and seem to think they have already lifted the World Cup. It will bite them in the a** if they let that attitude show against the Wallabies or us. I’m sure it’s a slim minority?
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You are all wrong, France will win the RWC... |
Has anyone told the Kiwi press?
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They don't call les grenouilles bleues the Walking Lightning Rods for nothing, you know. |
You have found a very rich vein of form this week Finbar. Warming up for your dinner party?
For myself – I have a feeling France are ready for a big game for this one.
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finbar
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Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Jan 1970
time: 06:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Havak
Hasn’t he only been back once since they became ‘democratic’? ;-) |
If I were him, I wouldn't set foot outside Italy either. Where else on earth could anyone possibly want to go? Then again, I'm unlikely to be elected Pope. Though Pope finbar does have a ring about it. Heavens knows what colour smoke would come up the chimney.
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Did you notice that the Poles voted over whelmingly to take all the UKs hard earned money earlier in the week. Sorry, I mean join the EC (or Franco-German Empire as I am increasingly sure it should now be called). |
I keep hearing about someone or other voting to join - or not - as the case may be. Didn't the Vikings vote against it recently? I've lost all track. And I still think - while acknowledging that I know absolutely nothing about it, but when has that stopped me before? - that it all sounds and feels like homogenisation.
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Interestingly Blair and Brown are playing a poor hand on the Euro at the moment. This nonsense of not meeting the five criteria (thought up by Gordon at a dinner party one night) isn’t being bought even by the most devout Blairite. They need to bite the bullet and either deliver the referendum the manifesto promised or do a Thatcher and say “We know best, we are going in chaps. Tally HO!”. The former might be embarassing to them – the latter is electoral suicide. |
I'd be very surprised if your lot ever committed to a situation in which a bunch of soil tillers not long out of the Middle Ages - by which I mean D. Rumsfeld's New Europe - could outvote you (in the collective sense) on matters affecting you and your future.
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Which is shame because only a handful of your countrymen can actually pull it off. |
You might be surprised. There are a lot of absolutely genuine naturals. You might have run into some of the would-bes.
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You are welcome to disagree. You proved my point anyway as ‘exaggeration’is a connection with the truth (there must be something there you are exaggerating?). What this commentator said was surreal and possessed no such link. Therefore simply uneducated rudeness. How unusual for a TV pundit? |
Obviously I'm going to have to have a look at these Rugger Tubbies on Saturday. If I see an ounce of body fat, I win the argument.
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A win is not a win is not a win. |
Good grief! You've just put Gretrude Stein-philes out of business! Or, indeed, perhaps you've just started your own collection of Quotable Quotes. Just imagine, decades from now, Havak being quoted and paraphrased.
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Well I didn’t see enough Blues to argue with you on that. The concept of such an honest back line at test level though is not something I’ll easily accept. We are talking the All Blacks here – they push the envelope with the best of them. I’ll be watching this kicking ploy carefully to pass my verdict. |
I would expect nothing less.
*Havak sets up his compass, protractor, divider and slide rule alongside his pint pot, crumpets and toaster*
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Isn’t it right though that nobody in S12 – even the much vaunted Canterbury pack – put the Blues forwards on the back foot. Very easy for Carlos to shine when not under pressure? His pack should be under much more pressure Saturday. |
That is the big question mark, as I've observed before. Rarely was Carlos under real, consistent pressure in S12. There was an off day once in mid-series that I recall, but the best effort against him for the season was from the Crusaders in the final (after the Blues had steamrolled the Crusaders earlier in the season).
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One big difference with Wilko there is that at club level the Falcons forwards are frequently outplayed and Johnny has to learn how to play under that constraint. |
Good point. Adversity adds qualities.
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Absolutely. And not any old bank. I’d make sure it was an exclusive bank so only ‘exclusive’ people suffered. |
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The press to be honest seem to be a separate ethnic minority. |
I have a friend who's a highly-respected journo. Nice chap, pretty much illiterate. Go figure.
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*shakes head* A Pom who doesn’t like rugby or cricket? |
Absolutely no interest. And he's a behavioural psychologist. If anyone would fascinate a behavioural psychologist you'd think it would have to be a rugby front row. It's totally beyond me.
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He is a Kiwi playing in Scotland. He has no need to be nice to the English in any way. His opinion is as objective as I think we are likely to get from an exile here. |
I only have one thing to say about Todd Blackadder - apart from his name, which conjures up blessed memories of one of Ben Elton's finest creations - and that is to cite the commentator who noted that his elevation to the AB captaincy signified the lowest of low ebbs in New Zealand rugby. Okay, so I might have added some poetry to what was said, but the gist was the same. And I only post this paragraph because it's easier than agreeing with you.
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there is a danger certain elements in NZ are becoming arrogant and seem to think they have already lifted the World Cup. It will bite them in the a** if they let that attitude show against the Wallabies or us. |
Look, it's a fair point, but remember that the ABs - and I mean the great AB teams - have been incredibly arrogant. I know you're talking more about what's happening off-field, but they probably travel hand in hand.
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Has anyone told the Kiwi press? |
I believe Tamerlin is writing a Letter to the Auckland Bugle Editor as we speak.
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You have found a very rich vein of form this week Finbar. Warming up for your dinner party? |
I'm usually in and out of the kitchen most of the night. But did you notice that the bastard totally ignored one of my better lines! Perles devant pourceau!
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For myself – I have a feeling France are ready for a big game for this one. |
Warming up to join Europe?
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Havak
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Swing Low, Sweet Chariots.
Aug 1999
time: 05:27
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Heavens knows what colour smoke would come up the chimney. |
Green and Gold?
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that it all sounds and feels like homogenisation. |
The Danes had the sense not to enter the Euro. Did I mention that I found the Irish very negative about it because the introduction had been used to raise the price of everything they liked (mainly beer).
I think I’ve said before the EC is now getting it wrong. Homogenisation on far too large a scale as well. I think the UKs days as part of this mess are numbered to be honest.
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I'd be very surprised if your lot ever committed to a situation in which a bunch of soil tillers not long out of the Middle Ages - by which I mean D. Rumsfeld's New Europe - could outvote you (in the collective sense) on matters affecting you and your future. |
I can’t see us ever doing so either. Should the axis succeed in removing the veto expect to see our parachute very quickly.
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You might have run into some of the would-bes. |
Lots of would-bes, but yes some naturals too. I think I’ve suggested before the Lions fans acted as a magnet to the would-bes type?
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Obviously I'm going to have to have a look at these Rugger Tubbies on Saturday. If I see an ounce of body fat, I win the argument. |
Deal. (It’s Lewsey, Robinson and Cohen so I hope I’m safe. Cohen is large but not ‘tubby’).
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Just imagine, decades from now, Havak being quoted and paraphrased. |
Scary thought isn’t it.
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*Havak sets up his compass, protractor, divider and slide rule alongside his pint pot, crumpets and toaster* |
Ah the classic ‘just-in-case-post-match-excuse-kit’. Quite right I shall.
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That is the big question mark, as I've observed before |
Yes it was your observation – I took in onboard from your comments. Didn’t mean to suggest it was an original thought of mine.
It is a key issue – we must assume the time and space he has will be much more limited that all those Super 12 games, even the final. This is the step up to Test level.
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Good point. Adversity adds qualities. |
I think he is a fairly rare case where playing in a non successful domestic side has truly been better for him.
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I have a friend who's a highly-respected journo. Nice chap, pretty much illiterate. Go figure. |
There’s nowt so strange as folk – people can have the most incongruous qualities to those of our expectations of them.
Sadly that’s not an original thought on my part either.
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It's totally beyond me. |
I can only think of seeing my previous point above?
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And I only post this paragraph because it's easier than agreeing with you. |
I understand.
I’ve commented on Todd before. When I first saw him in action for Edingburgh I couldn’t believe he had even played for the ABs to be honest. He’s not bad as such – he just doesn’t stand out in any phase of his play – and we have been brought up here to believe ABs should excel in almost every phase.
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I know you're talking more about what's happening off-field, but they probably travel hand in hand |
I was – but you point is still fair. It’s a fine line between ‘acceptable’ arrogance in a sports man/team and ‘smug’ arrogance though. And to be fair I’m not fingering players this week – it seems to be a fan and media thing right now.
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I believe Tamerlin is writing a Letter to the Auckland Bugle Editor as we speak. |
You had better write one too to let the guy know where France is?
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But did you notice that the bastard totally ignored one of my better lines! |
Use it again – he probably just missed it.
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Warming up to join Europe? |
I have to back France on this one.
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finbar
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Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Jan 1970
time: 06:27
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Originally posted by Havak
Green and Gold? |
With the Vodaphone motif added via digital technology!
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The Danes had the sense not to enter the Euro. Did I mention that I found the Irish very negative about it because the introduction had been used to raise the price of everything they liked (mainly beer). |
Yes, I heard something on the World Service about the Irish grizzling about price rises. I'm sure they'd've expected the Black Drop to be exempt.
Old joke:
Why did the Irish get the potatoes and the Arabs get the oil?
Because the Irish had first choice.
Now I wish I hadn't bothered.
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I think I’ve suggested before the Lions fans acted as a magnet to the would-bes type? |
Yes, as the old saying goes - an old joke, why not an old saying? - "like flies to sh*t".
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Deal. (It’s Lewsey, Robinson and Cohen so I hope I’m safe. Cohen is large but not ‘tubby’). |
Cohen is, um, beefy.
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I think he is a fairly rare case where playing in a non successful domestic side has truly been better for him. |
I saw a lot of it in AFL when I lived in Melbourne. One star in a very ordinary team. It does make them even better players because, apart from anything else, they finish up, by necessity, doing lots of everything. And the responsibility, providing their character is right, builds them as players and people.
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I’ve commented on Todd before. When I first saw him in action for Edingburgh I couldn’t believe he had even played for the ABs to be honest. He’s not bad as such – he just doesn’t stand out in any phase of his play – and we have been brought up here to believe ABs should excel in almost every phase. |
I remember he got the AB skipper gig because he was considered a good leader. He was, at the time, considered the best S12 skipper. I forget which outfit. Anyway, it only reflects on the depth of the doldrums the ABs were in at the time. And goodness how wheels can turn.
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I was – but you point is still fair. It’s a fine line between ‘acceptable’ arrogance in a sports man/team and ‘smug’ arrogance though. And to be fair I’m not fingering players this week – it seems to be a fan and media thing right now. |
They've never changed off-field either. The only time they were quiet was when they were in the Blackadder-era doldrums.
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Use it again – he probably just missed it. |
I notice he claims he was asleep. Likely story. Fuming, frothing at the mouth, gnashing his dents, so overcome with a case of J****'s patented Red Mist* that he couldn't see his keyboard.
*Copyright, J****.
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finbar
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Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Jan 1970
time: 06:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Havak
Damn it Tamerlin – I’ve just realised that Stade Francais winning that game means my Autumn away game will take me to Paris not Toulouse! |
So? What's a couple of hours in a train to meet up with our favourite grenouille and his tętard?
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Developed into one hell of a player though – pace to take on a Howlett |
Take him on, perhaps. Cohen, from my observation, unlike Howlett, needs to wind up. Tubbies are like that, I'm told.
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(don’t know about the new Pacific Islander AB?) |
Joe Rokocoko. Seriously, seriously quick. Big step up in class for him, though.
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From which I can therefore draw the conclusion that Tigers bad year may have an upside after all? |
Oddly enough, everything that applies to the rest of the world doesn't apply to the parallel universe that is Leicester.
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Four years is a long time in rugby. But not all that vintage were lacking. |
No, not all, but they had some very average - by their standards - players on the field. Most of all, they lacked that AB spirit - arrogance - call it what you like. They lost a hell of a lot when the Fitzpatrick-Zinzan-Bunce generation moved on. As happens.
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Can I collect his royalties? |
I'll save you having to ask and forward them straight to you. Anyone with a jaw as lantern-like as his is likely to think royalties are a couple of Kings and Queens anyway. Which is your cue to remind me that he's a merchant banker. 
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Apolyton Time is 00:27. |
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11-06-2003 06:13
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