09-10-2003 15:51									#361
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Great to see Tamerlin back and on form – there should be a :disdain: smilie there really should.

Only it would be a :dédain: smilie.

quote: Income tax is reasonable here – but god help you if you want to actually spend some of your money – indirect taxes are ridiculous (are we the only country in the world that taxes petrol as a ‘luxury’?).

The idiots in this country who voted for the government that introduced the GST - your VAT - were promised that it would result in the reduction of indirect taxes. I assume you were told the same thing?

quote: I guess it’s possible McCaw would have ousted Josh by now – but I don’t think its certain by any means.

Probably on age. Kronfeld was a super player. Pity he tossed it in.

quote: I can’t be convinced of this easily – maybe in six weeks time he may have firmly convinced me himself - one way or the other.

I think he's a good promising player at this stage. No more, no less.

quote: And Straeuli has been quoted yet again as saying every bok side should be very Physical.

Interesting to see how they behave on the world stage. I wouldn't be surprised if they behaved reasonably well.

quote: Perth is Foster’s territory isn’t it – that’s the ultimate way to make a Chip buttie lethal – add that muck to it.

Perth? Foster's territory? Swan Lager, more like.

quote: Is there anything more frustrating for a writer than having the audience miss a carefully crafted gag totally by the way…?

At least Tamerlin got it and English is his seventeenth language!

	09-10-2003 15:56									#362
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quote: Originally posted by Andydog Big Brad Thorn starts the game at lock, in place of the injured Williams. Thorn getting more experience at test level can only be a good thing I guess.

Yes, but all the experience in the world doesn't amount to a hill of beans if you're not good enough in the first place.

quote: Dan Carter gets the hot seat for this first game.

Goodoh. A back-up for Carlos if his kicking falls apart.

	09-10-2003 16:21									#363
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Your healthy sense of humour lightens the threads. Would you agree with me that Betsen, on form, is the man in his position?

On form... yes.

	09-10-2003 16:31									#364
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quote: Originally posted by finbar I assume you were told the same thing?

As everybody knows it the French are the proud inventors of the Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée, this invention has been so successful and has been so much enjoyed by everybody that it is today a "Sine Qua Non" condition before a country can enter the European Community. This invention was made a long time ago at a time when the politicians did not bother to argument their decisions.

	09-10-2003 17:24									#365
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quote: Only it would be a :dédain: smilie.

My French Dictionary tells me that means ‘scorn’?

quote: I assume you were told the same thing?

It came in before my majority but so I understand, yes. Now they are slowly putting in on everything that was originally assured as being exempt (childrens clothes for example – now there is a luxury). I believe petrol draws both Fuel Duty and VAT at point of sale – classic double dipping.

quote: Probably on age. Kronfeld was a super player. Pity he tossed it in.

Suffers with his ankles periodically – has that clutter clearing surgery on them. Continued International duty might have crippled him I guess – it’s a big thing knowing when to walk away?

quote: I think he's a good promising player at this stage. No more, no less.

Duly noted.

quote: I wouldn't be surprised if they behaved reasonably well.

Hard to call – they know they are under scrutiny but they also know an effective ploy against England would be trying to provoke a reaction…a week and a bit and we’ll know the answer.

quote: Perth? Foster's territory? Swan Lager, more like.

Even better suited to the purpose at hand then.

quote: At least Tamerlin got it and English is his seventeenth language!

I’m not claiming it’s my first one either.

quote: On form... yes.

He had a weak six nations – and I don’t recall seeing him in our two tests? Has he travelled to Oz Tamerlin?

The French are to blame for Value Added Tax? I’d keep that a bit quieter if I were you.

	09-10-2003 17:45									#366
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quote: Originally posted by Tamerlin As everybody knows it the French are the proud inventors of the Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée

Gee. Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée, la guillotine, Jean-Marie Le Pen ... you grenouilles have a lot answer for! If you hadn't invented Gauloise, you'd be in a lot of trouble with me!

	09-10-2003 17:57									#367
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quote: Originally posted by Havak My French Dictionary tells me that means ‘scorn’?

Oh! Found it now, have we?!

Tonight's been a festival of rugby and rugby-related stuff on Fox Sports as a lead-up to the tournament. I just watched an hour-long profile on John O'Neill. Some interesting stuff came out of it -

I hadn't realised that it took quite a time for John Eales and Rod Macqueen to establish a relationship. Early days, apparently, were very tense. Neither seemed to be able to explain why, beyond that they didn't really know each other. Must've been more to it than that.

Rod Macqueen all but quit after that first loss to the Pumas. He wasn't happy with the way the media slaughtered him, and certainly wasn't happy with some of the attitudes within the team. Which may relate to the situation above.

And the ARU coughed up a million quid to get the Lions out here.

Oh, and I looked for a retired tighthead with a high forehead and a beaker of bitter in his humungous mitt in the crowd in the highlights package but didn't spot you.

	09-10-2003 18:29									#368
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quote: Originally posted by finbar Just for the RWC. In order to satisfy the official sponsors of the World Cup, the IRB required that all ground ad signage - and jersey ad logos - be removed for the duration of the tournament so that the official sponsors wouldn't have any advertising competition. This is what led to New Zealand losing the co-hosting role. The NZRFU, in its wisdom, refused to agree to remove the ad signage at their grounds. They decided, in their wisdom, that the ad revenue their clubs received from their signage was far more beneficial than the multi-millions the RWC would bring. They even went as far as to say that the NPC was more important to Kiwis than the RWC anyway.

How ridiculous!

quote: Thus, as soon as the NZRFU lost the co-hosting gig, a broom was put through the NZRFU hierarchy and some people with brains were installed in place of the idiots. Just a bit too late, unfortunately.

I wonder who's in line to host the next few RWCs? Hopefully New Zealand will get a another chance at some point.

quote: On another, brighter note. I've just looked at the schedule for tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. Tomorrow night, of course, I have Australia -v- Argentina to watch. On Saturday, I have NZ -v- Italy at 2pm, followed by France -v- Fiji at 7.30pm, followed by South Africa -v- Uruguay at 10pm. With highlights of Ireland -v- Romania on another channel at 9.30pm. On Sunday, I have to make do with Scotland -v- Japan at 8.30pm, England -v- Georgia at 10pm, and the highlights of Wales -v- Canada at midnight. You will, no doubt, understand why I've instructed Mrs finbar not to agree to any social engagements for the next month or so. Well, to be truthful, I told her she could, on her behalf, but that she should tell everyone I was unavailable on account of I'd died suddenly.

...and gone to heaven.

The RWC doesn't start till Monday evening for me, thanks to the delayed broadcast. It beats paying 20 bucks at the door to see it live at a pub though.

After tomorrow I'll have to make myself scarce around here...

	09-10-2003 18:33									#369
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quote: Originally posted by Havak And yet sponsorship free shirts are seemingly not available in the UK through official channels. Not that this really surprises me in the slightest.

Couldn't you just order one from that website I linked you to?

http://www.worldrugbyshop.com/shop/...60&Department=6

	09-10-2003 18:48									#370
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quote: Originally posted by finbar The idiots in this country who voted for the government that introduced the GST - your VAT - were promised that it would result in the reduction of indirect taxes. I assume you were told the same thing?

It's kind of like saying "We're going to take some more of your money, but don't worry, we promise to give some back one day".

	09-10-2003 19:19									#371
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quote: Oh! Found it now, have we?!

Yes thanks.

quote: And the ARU coughed up a million quid to get the Lions out here.

The Lions have no Home Union of course – they rely on the hosting Unions and sponsors. Even so I am sure it proved to be exceptional value? Even the SMH, whilst at times assuming we were all Austin devotees and sub-humans in need of instant deporting, acknowledged that the presence of Lions plus fans was a cash cow wherever they went.

I was there – but I didn’t exactly stand out from the company I was in.

I’m too tight Caligastia – at nearly £60 before shipping it’s too rich for my blood. There may be some Celt in me after all.

	09-10-2003 20:06									#372
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quote: Originally posted by Havak I’m too tight Caligastia – at nearly £60 before shipping it’s too rich for my blood. There may be some Celt in me after all.

How much would you expect to pay if it was available over there?

	09-10-2003 20:32									#373
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A much more reasonable £50 plus shipping.

Like I said - I'm tight.

*Edit* I've also got a wardrobe full of older ones including the classic all white one with the pre-Nike rose design.

	09-10-2003 21:19									#374
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quote: Originally posted by Havak My French Dictionary tells me that means ‘scorn’?

Scorn can be translated as dédain or mépris in French, the dédain is the act of disdaining something while mépris roughly means "not worthy of attention", not exactly the same thing but rather close.

quote: The French are to blame for Value Added Tax? I’d keep that a bit quieter if I were you.

There are so few things we can boast about having invented since a few decades that we cling to anything we can.

	09-10-2003 22:08									#375
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quote: Originally posted by Havak A much more reasonable £50 plus shipping. Like I said - I'm tight. *Edit* I've also got a wardrobe full of older ones including the classic all white one with the pre-Nike rose design.

No great need for a new one then.

	10-10-2003 05:51									#376
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And, after England bombs out in the QFs, he'll be pitching the whole lot out anyway.

	10-10-2003 05:57									#377
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quote: Originally posted by Havak The Lions have no Home Union of course – they rely on the hosting Unions and sponsors. Even so I am sure it proved to be exceptional value? Even the SMH, whilst at times assuming we were all Austin devotees and sub-humans in need of instant deporting, acknowledged that the presence of Lions plus fans was a cash cow wherever they went.

The ARU made a very tidy profit. O'Neill said they netted $1.5 million through the gate at the Melbourne match and netted around $5 million through the gate at Stadium Australia (or whatever the thing's called now).

quote: I’m too tight Caligastia – at nearly £60 before shipping it’s too rich for my blood. There may be some Celt in me after all.

Presumably Mrs Havak has to make do with plastic roses on her birthday.

	10-10-2003 10:06									#378
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Weather forecast for tonight at the stadium - 17C, strong westerly winds, and showers.



OTOH, it will be very warm in Perth.

	10-10-2003 11:53									#379
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FoxSports have had a marathon replay of the '99 WRC. I forgot to videotape England's QF against the 'Boks to send to Havak!

Edit. Forgot to mention. I'm now watching the final. Want to bet on the French, Tamerlin?



Oh, and Les Grenouilles have decoy runners charging all over the place!

	10-10-2003 12:55									#380
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quote: No great need for a new one then.

Particularly not one with the new skin tight cut of the cloth.

quote: And, after England bombs out in the QFs, he'll be pitching the whole lot out anyway.

Thought I had covered this – Ireland or France in the semi is our banana skin – it’s only Wales or NZ in the QF – no sweat.

But lets turn the Kiwi’s attention where it belongs – Australia. On the ITV cup preview we have Campo, Farr-Jones and Budda all saying they are sure they can see off the Kiwis in the semi and there’s no way the Poms would want to face them in a final yet again…yes really Finbar – it was glorious high farce, at least Budda had the style to wink as he said it.

quote: (or whatever the thing's called now).

Lets not dignify the crass commercialisation of the place by naming the sponsor.

We did our bit for your economy – we certainly were not the anti Aussie demons some parties tried to paint us as. Indeed as I have often said I enjoyed the country and the people greatly – as long as we didn’t talk sport. It’s truly astounding how the instant sport is raised the average Aussies eyes glaze over and you can hear the background hum of ‘Advance Australia…’

I would imagine Perth is a happy place for Aussies right now – ignore the fact they are stuffing the equivalent of a second division English county side. Fair play to the lad setting the record though – you can only play what they put in front of you.

quote: Presumably Mrs Havak has to make do with plastic roses on her birthday.

There is a picture of roses on the card sometimes. Is that wrong?

quote: FoxSports have had a marathon replay of the '99 WRC. I forgot to videotape England's QF against the 'Boks to send to Havak!

It’s a remarkable match – a strong Bok pack being shoved all over the park and a one off freak performance from Jannie De Beer that lined his pension until people sussed that he would never get close to being good ever again. Five drop goals – one form the half way line nearly. I’ve never seen anything like it since.

quote: Edit. Forgot to mention. I'm now watching the final. Want to bet on the French, Tamerlin?

That’s just cruel.

And France don’t use decoys – only SH teams do that. The players you saw were all over the place only because they learnt to drive in France.

Lets praise Australia once again for 99. Playing no one of a decent standard until the final they conceded only one try (to the USA). It’s a remarkable achievement that we must accept – but boring as hell with it. Let’s hope this tournament is not quite so defence dominated.

I’m actually going to be in a very tedious meeting as the game kicks off – so enjoy Finbar – I hope the boys surprise you and the rest of the world as Eddie’s master plan is finally revealed.

	10-10-2003 16:56									#381
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Caligastia said he would be avoiding the thread for a while right - so we can talk about the game when the final whistle has gone??

*edit* Finbar, forgetting the score for now, a friend phoned me to say the injury to Giffen looked very serious indeed - and that he hasn't regained consciousness.

I hope this is wrong - and my thoughts are with his family if it is.

This can be a dangerous game - and necks are not designed for landing on.

Last edited by Havak on 10-10-2003 at 17:37

	10-10-2003 17:34									#382
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quote: Originally posted by Havak I would imagine Perth is a happy place for Aussies right now – ignore the fact they are stuffing the equivalent of a second division English county side. Fair play to the lad setting the record though – you can only play what they put in front of you.

The series is a bit of a joke, unfortunately. But it was scheduled. India follow them later in the season.

quote: There is a picture of roses on the card sometimes. Is that wrong?

Not at all. And at least there's a card. Even if bought at the last minute in a mad rush.

quote: Five drop goals – one form the half way line nearly. I’ve never seen anything like it since.

quote: And France don’t use decoys – only SH teams do that. The players you saw were all over the place only because they learnt to drive in France.

Yes, but Tamerlin has a very astute defence to all this. He says they do it, but he disapproves.

quote: I’m actually going to be in a very tedious meeting as the game kicks off – so enjoy Finbar – I hope the boys surprise you and the rest of the world as Eddie’s master plan is finally revealed.

It was, and it wasn't.

	10-10-2003 17:53									#383
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quote: Originally posted by Havak Caligastia said he would be avoiding the thread for a while right - so we can talk about the game when the final whistle has gone??

Abso-bloody-lutely!

quote: *edit* Finbar, forgetting the score for now a friend phoned me to say the injury to Giffen looked very serious indeed - and that he hasn;t regained consciousness. I hope this is wrong - and my thoughts are with his family if it is. This can be a dangerous game - and necks are not desinged for landing on.

Landed on the side of his head and his shoulder. He was unconscious on the field. Didn't even twitch. The first diagnosis - after he'd left the field - was severe concussion. I haven't heard any more.

Wallabies 24 -d- Argentina 8

Mmmm. Talk about a curate's egg of a performance. The very good things:

1. Larkham absolutely back to doing what he does best. Ghosting, slipping through gaps that don't seem to be there, setting up the backline;
2. David Lyons' powerhouse effort at #8, making tons of ground with the ball, taking a couple of tacklers with him each time. Quieter in the second half, but finished the game strongly;
3. Al Baxter's first start at tighthead was terrific against very big, strong opposition. I think we've found ourselves a tighthead with a real future;
4. The forwards, over all, performed well against big, strong opposition. Even won one against the feed;
5. The backline finally got seriously involved - Rogers, Sailor, Roff, and even Matt Burke finally looked threatening.

The bad things:

1. Sixteen handling errors! A lot of them in attacking positions with tries beckoning;
2. A lacklustre first 30 minutes of the second half, in which the Wallabies seemed to coast. They ended the first half with a massive possession and territory advantage, and let the Pumas even up the stats with 10 minutes to go. They were patently obviously superior, but seemed incapable of putting their stamp on the game. They got away with it tonight, they won't against the better teams.

For the most part, the Pumas, unfortunately, verged on incompetent. Their hooker was pinged at least half a dozen times for crooked throws to the lineout, they showed absolutely no rhythm or coordination, and their kicker missed (from memory) 5 out of 6. Ireland must be giggling up their sleeves.

If the Wallabies improve on this effort - their handling, and the lacklustre first 30 minutes of the second half - I'll be happy.

	10-10-2003 18:20									#384
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The BBC are confusing the issue as they report he was inconscious in hospital with his parent by his bedside - and in the same piece say the Aussie team manager is saying he will be fine!

As for Ireland - in the same phonecall my friend (he who owes you a beer from way back) suggested the Irish will now fancy their chances against both sides?

	10-10-2003 18:48									#385
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quote: Originally posted by Havak The BBC are confusing the issue as they report he was inconscious in hospital with his parent by his bedside - and in the same piece say the Aussie team manager is saying he will be fine!

I've since heard another report that it's concussion. Haven't heard anything about him unconscious in hospital. The problem was that his lifters were front and back, he was knocked sideways by one of the Pumas, and he fell sideways. From a great height. There was no way of catching him.

quote: As for Ireland - in the same phonecall my friend (he who owes you a beer from way back) suggested the Irish will now fancy their chances against both sides?

Him? Mmmm. Well, we know all about his judgement. The Irish will clean up the Pumas on tonight's effort. They were truly incompetent. We should have put at least three more tries on them. If we can improve our handling - and it was really rusty stuff, a lot of them unforced errors - I don't have the slightest problem taking on Ireland. OTOH, if the Wallabies drift into the same lacklustre stuff they did in the second half tonight, they will deserve to lose.

	10-10-2003 19:33									#386
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The best case for him then is an automatic three week lay off with concussion.

I shall watch the Irish opening game with great interest - I felt they had been bereft of their best hope with the Murphy injury but if Keith works his magic the Ire-Aus clash may be even more of a must see than it already was.

The NZ game is on a little early for me tomorrow but I'll tape it and the Ireland game, then watch the French and Bok games live followed by the taped matches. Then all three games live on Sunday.

Were I married by Monday I could have been divorced.

	11-10-2003 00:41									#387
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quote: Originally posted by finbar Edit. Forgot to mention. I'm now watching the final. Want to bet on the French, Tamerlin?

YES! No need to ask the question.

Unfortunately, I am never learning anything from my mistakes...

quote: Oh, and Les Grenouilles have decoy runners charging all over the place!

Absolutely impossible! :disdain:

	11-10-2003 00:46									#388
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quote: Originally posted by finbar Yes, but Tamerlin has a very astute defence to all this. He says they do it, but he disapproves.

You are wrong, I highly disapprove. :disdain:

	11-10-2003 01:02									#389
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HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE GAME!!!

One of the worst i´ve ever seen in the past years of The Pumas
What the hell happened???? did they chicken out???
Come on!! they are profesional players!!! no more amateurs! no excuses for the errors in the lineout!!!
no coordination, no surprise in the offensive!!!

And Felipe Contemponi... oh my god!!
Loffreda: do you really want to go on opting for his tackle efficency over Quesada´s kicking accuracy????
Dude!! he was the top scorer of the last world cup!!

I don´t know much about rugby... i´m not an expert... but i think that is A FACT that you MUST have a guy who can make the penalties and conversions!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!


Thanx god the Wallabies sucked too!
I can´t believe the quantity of handling erros
Generally in attacking positions... mmm....
Good game of the forwards
I liked the performance of Lyons and Sailor


In my opinion, both teams MUST improve... otherwise, the Wallabies won´t beat "top" teams; and the Pumas won´t pass the first round

i´m very dissapointed with my national team performacne

	11-10-2003 01:02									#390
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The good thing with matches at 12h30 French time is I can take a 2 hour pause to watch them.
(well, not too often).
Although the Australian tighthead did a good match, your loose prop was err... well, not up to the task.

In Argentina, Ledesma has been abysmal. Next thursday, when I miss a throw, I will be able to say that I haven't played worse than him.

I think the Australian match was quite poor. I finally saw Wendell Sailor and believe this man is really good. He handles the ball quite well. I am not sure Pat Rogers is very trustworthy, however. The centers were also not up to the task. Considering the excellent performance of the pack (nice mauls and charges from Lyons in particular), the backs should have done better.
I know it's typical for a forward to say that les filles have messed, but here, I think it's obvious. If Australia doesn't play better against players like O'Driscoll and Humphreys, they will have problems.

Argentina has really been pitiful overall. Totally uninspired except for their full back and Contepomi, who managed to waste all his efforts by missing systematically every kick but one.

I seriously think that Australians have to find their marks soon, or they could lose to Ireland.

Now, I can't wait to see NZ - Italy.