Off Topic => Sports Arena => Topic started by: VillaZogmariner on June 11, 2010, 01:18:15 PM
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on June 11, 2010, 01:18:15 PM
There seem to be a few of us on here that follow Rugby, so thought I'd start a thread for it.
It's the first test between Australia and England at the weekend over in Perth. Australia will be fielding a very inexperienced front row (only 2 caps between the 3 players). So I think it will be a fairly close match, but expect that Australia will still win.
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on June 11, 2010, 02:18:17 PM
I see the England management have dropped Matt Tait for the umpteenth time.
What does the guy have to do to get a decent run in the starting XV ?
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Rotterdam on June 11, 2010, 08:23:07 PM
I reckon we will lose all 3 (?) tests v NZ and Australia.
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on June 12, 2010, 01:56:12 AM
Well I've got a ticket for the game in Sydney for next Saturday, and I've never seen England win yet, so you've got a good chance of being right Rotters!
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Guy M on June 12, 2010, 08:52:10 AM
I quite enjoy a trip or two to the rugby each year. Was at Twickenham for the Guinness Premiership Final 2 weeks ago. £25 per ticket for seats in the corner of the second tier. Amazing view. The equivalent of Club Wembley for a tenth of the cost.
Interesting that the middle-class game is considerably more affordable than the working-class one. And that you can buy alcohol before, during and after the match.
Tickets for the London double-header are £10 on Ticketmaster at the moment. Obviously that won't be for all sections of the ground but been lower tier towards the corner before and was still a decent view and an amazing atmosphere.
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Chris Smith on June 12, 2010, 08:57:37 AM
Quote from: "UK Redsox"
I see the England management have dropped Matt Tait for the umpteenth time.
What does the guy have to do to get a decent run in the starting XV ?
Play consistently well, he hasn't managed it yet.
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on June 12, 2010, 10:57:39 AM
Quote from: "Guy M"
Interesting that the middle-class game is considerably more affordable than the working-class one. And that you can buy alcohol before, during and after the match.
I think that the view that Rugby is "middle class" rather than "working class" only applies in areas where football had the stronghold.
Here in the West Country and specifically in Gloucestershire where, until Cheltenham** made the leagues, there was no football of any real merit, Rugby is very much the sport of the worker.
(** and even then, 'Nam is an anomaly really. A posh enclave in Gloucestershire)
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on June 12, 2010, 11:09:47 AM
What a cracking game the All Blacks v Ireland was.
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: villa1 on June 12, 2010, 12:25:06 PM
Although we're not doing too well at the moment. 21 - 10 down.
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on June 12, 2010, 01:09:06 PM
I thought we were going to pull it back at one point, but wasn't to be. Can't say I was over impressed by the performance though, and the better side won.
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on June 12, 2010, 01:49:29 PM
Quote from: "VillaSubmariner"
What a cracking game the All Blacks v Ireland was.
Refereed by the Forest of Dean's own Wayne Barnes !!
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on June 19, 2010, 02:46:43 PM
That's more like it!
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on June 19, 2010, 02:48:16 PM
That's more like it!
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Gareth on June 19, 2010, 04:52:48 PM
Much better performance...and even managed to score tries.
Youngs looks the real deal, lets hope its not a false dawn
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on June 19, 2010, 07:23:55 PM
England won at Kick 'n' Clap then?
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Rotterdam on June 19, 2010, 07:27:53 PM
Quote from: "Rotterdam"
I reckon we will lose all 3 (?) tests v NZ and Australia.
Shows that I know nothing, well done rugger boys.
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: TheSandman on June 19, 2010, 07:55:29 PM
Scotland have opened the scoring early on against the Argies.
7-0
Yes, really. Scotland have scored a try!
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on June 21, 2010, 10:06:21 AM
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 21, 2010, 10:16:31 PM
Quote from: "TheSandman"
Scotland have opened the scoring early on against the Argies.
7-0
Yes, really. Scotland have scored a try!
Scotland win their first ever away series... hurrah!
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on July 01, 2010, 12:56:22 PM
Gloucester need to get their finger out and sign some new players after their abject performance last year.
And I see that Ian McGeechan has surfaced again at Bath.
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 09, 2010, 05:54:29 PM
Surfaced at Bath? Must be a bloody big bath.
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: JD on July 11, 2010, 03:39:20 AM
Brilliant display by the AB's against the Boks last night. Shame that Bakkes Botha did his best to spoil it though. Still we won't see any more of him for a few weeks.
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on July 11, 2010, 06:52:46 AM
Watched the match with a load of Kiwis last night. Fantastic performance by the All Blacks.
You're right about Botha though, dirty bastard. How he stayed on the field after that head butt is beyond me.
For those that haven't seen it -
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on July 14, 2010, 11:57:14 AM
That would be the same chap who behaved like a right ****** on the last Lions tour I Believe.
Title: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on July 31, 2010, 01:35:46 PM
Well that was a struggle for the All Blacks!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on September 11, 2010, 06:46:24 AM
Am off to Australia v All Blacks this evening.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on September 11, 2010, 11:15:25 AM
Have they decided whether to bail on the Hong Kong plan and play the Bledisloe Cup (named for a bloke from my home town) over here ?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on September 11, 2010, 02:05:02 PM
Not heard anything about it.
My second time watching Australia play live, and second time they have lost by 1 point. I may make a habit of this!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on September 24, 2010, 05:02:12 PM
Gloucester have been shite this season as I predicted. They will be closer to bottom than top this year that is for sure.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on September 25, 2010, 10:09:23 AM
We're 75/1 to finish top and 25/1 to finish bottom (ie 3 times more likely). Big game today as we'll need to rely on the home form so need to beat the likes of Wasps. For me Redpath doesn't cut it and we have little chance of top 4 and even Heineken cup looks a big ask. Sad times but wont stop me from going to Agen in a could of weeks.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on September 27, 2010, 01:37:34 PM
Good win against Wasps in the end.
Redpath is not the man for my money but there we go.
There are some very talented players in that side so it's difficult to understand why they have been playing so badly.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on September 27, 2010, 01:59:30 PM
It will be a typical Glos season where we win 90% of home games and lose 90% of away games. I would happily trade all the away games for a win on Friday.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on September 28, 2010, 12:06:53 PM
I have a nasty suspicion we are in for a pasting aginst that lot.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on October 01, 2010, 12:18:17 PM
The usual monsoon for Bath away then.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on October 01, 2010, 10:01:01 PM
Get the fck in. Take that you barf twats
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 02, 2010, 10:31:50 AM
Things are looking up for Gloucestershire rugby again after a bad start to the season. Bristol have climbed out of the Championship relegation zone, likewise Zindyferrrd in National 1 (although hopefully they'll crash n burn again soon) and my own team, the Mighty Lyd in National 2 South are now showing signs of improvement.
When the league structure was formed in 1987 Lydney were placed in what was then called "Area League South". The name of the division may have changed a few times but 23 years later we're still there. We've been promoted to what is now National 1 a few times** but we've never gone any lower than where we are now.
We must be the team that's moved the least in the history of the leagues.
(** maybe the team could of progressed more if they'd have recognised the talents of their goal kicking third team winger of the early 90's !!)
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on October 02, 2010, 12:15:01 PM
Since when has Bristol been in Gloucestershire?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 02, 2010, 12:25:31 PM
For Rugby purposes Bristol/Avon is divided like post war Germany, with the River Avon playing the part of the wall.
Bristol RFC has always been considered a Gloucestershire club. Avon never had it's own County set up. Therefore clubs in the north of the city played in the Glos set up (eg in the County Cup), whilst those in the south played in Somerset's competitions
Also, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club's base is in Bristol.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on October 02, 2010, 12:37:51 PM
Okay, ta. I was hoping for some geographical pedantry fun but you had an answer so I'll go away.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on October 03, 2010, 02:05:57 PM
Funnily enough people in Wusster see Glos as the south mids derby but we see ourselves as west country - and hence the big derby friday night. Well you can't go further west without being in Wales.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: villaross on October 03, 2010, 06:01:54 PM
Northampton Saints head-coach Jim Mallinder was frustrated by his side’s 27-21 win over the Exeter Chiefs after the Devon club slowed down the match at Franklins Gardens on Saturday. More details on this Rugby betting article (http://betting.betfred.com/713/sport-betting-news/rugby-betting/mallinder-frustrated-by-exeter-tactics/). :o
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on October 04, 2010, 12:03:19 PM
I keep telling the Worcester fans at work that their local derby is Stourbridge but they won't have it.
Great win on Friday. The type of win that can change a season.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 10, 2010, 01:20:33 PM
I keep telling the Worcester fans at work that their local derby is Stourbridge but they won't have it.
Great win on Friday. The type of win that can change a season.
When I was a kid (before the league structure) the Mighty Lyd would play Hereford regularly but very rarely gave Worcester a game. They were so far down the pecking order as to be almost irrelevant. Its amazing what flogging a few boilers can do for a club.
A lot of our games were against Welsh teams. These rivalries have been totally killed off by the league structure. How I miss those cold Wednesday nights in February, playing Tredegar away in a downpour.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 10, 2010, 02:14:58 PM
tight game between Bath and Biarritz. On an aside, Bath would be a great team to play for, what a lovely city!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on October 13, 2010, 12:34:56 PM
I keep telling the Worcester fans at work that their local derby is Stourbridge but they won't have it.
Great win on Friday. The type of win that can change a season.
When I was a kid (before the league structure) the Mighty Lyd would play Hereford regularly but very rarely gave Worcester a game. They were so far down the pecking order as to be almost irrelevant. Its amazing what flogging a few boilers can do for a club.
A lot of our games were against Welsh teams. These rivalries have been totally killed off by the league structure. How I miss those cold Wednesday nights in February, playing Tredegar away in a downpour.
me too I miss the friendlies Glos played against Neath, Pontypool, Bridgend etc - always full on games.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on October 13, 2010, 12:36:08 PM
tight game between Bath and Biarritz. On an aside, Bath would be a great team to play for, what a lovely city!
Apart from the fact that their ground is complete sh!te, temporary and owned by the council.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on October 14, 2010, 01:09:57 PM
The Rec is a dump. Didn't get to see much over the weekend but Gloucester successfully chucked away a decent half time lead at Agen I note.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on October 14, 2010, 08:25:50 PM
I couldnt have been more relaxed at HT but a few errors by senior players (notably Tindall getting binned) let them back in. Their last minute try was a clear knock on so not sure how the TMO missed it. Nice town though.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on October 18, 2010, 02:10:20 PM
Well that was a lucky win!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on October 30, 2010, 11:34:51 AM
What a finish to the Australia v All Blacks match.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on October 31, 2010, 02:31:10 PM
Yep the Aussies are bubbling up well for the world cup. What a farce playing it in a half full stadium out of season in Hong Kong though. Glos Leceister was a close one too! About a year undefeated at home now!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on November 02, 2010, 03:18:28 PM
England v NZ NZ by less than ten for me.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on November 02, 2010, 09:22:49 PM
Looks defensively weak at 10/12. Only one prop on the bench - what do we think the chances of uncontested scrums if its getting tough.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on November 02, 2010, 11:35:16 PM
All Blacks will win it comfortably, I'm thinking by at least 15 point margin.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 03, 2010, 12:43:06 PM
I quite like the look of England's side, except I don't rate Hape really.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on November 03, 2010, 12:46:28 PM
Personally I'd have Simpson-Daniel in over an ageing Cueto.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Mr Diggles on November 05, 2010, 08:44:08 AM
Going to be very tough tomorrow, and can't see anything but an All Black win. I just worry about that centre pairing. Is there enough creativity there with a defensive capacity? And now more than ever is the time for Flood to start playing to his potential.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on November 05, 2010, 01:19:58 PM
I think we will lose but it will be close. I can see our pack turning up tomorrow but I worry over creativity in the backs.
The ref needs a strong game as well because McCaw will be all over the ball on the floor as usual.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 06, 2010, 02:22:20 PM
Right come on England.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 06, 2010, 04:23:25 PM
That was encouraging.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on November 07, 2010, 02:35:30 PM
Just discovered this thread, marvellous !!!!!!.
I'm a huge Rugby fan and as well as being a season ticket in the Trinity, am a member of the England Rugby Supporters Club. I was at Twickenham yesterday and it was an entertaining game with plenty of encouragement (at last) for England, albeit I thought that AB's were always likely to win and could have gone up a gear or two, if needed. I was lucky enough to be sitting in the top tier of the corner where all of the tries were scored. I don't think the first NZ try should have been allowed and for anyone of three reasons, neither should Hartley's (Ashton offside, forward pass to Hartley and double movement).
I think Johnno and the lads are slowly getting there and what was especially pleasing was that by the end of the game yesterday we had just two players over 30 on the pitch which surely bodes well for the future. Would maybe look to get a little more creativity and pace in our centres, difference between Nonu and Sonny to Tindall and Hape was immense. As someone said in an earlier post would love Simpson-Daniel to get a run instead of Cueto, but the rest looks okay to me.
It's a huge match next Saturday and one I shall enjoy via Sky+ when I get home from Villa Park. I think we are capable of beating the Aussies and if we do, we should follow that up with two wins v Samoa and South Africa which will put us right on track for the World Cup.
Glad to have discovered this thread and look forward to further discussions througout this month.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on November 08, 2010, 01:03:40 PM
Too many handling errors by both sides on Saturday but theer were some encouraging signs.
We are still well short of the required creativity in the backs mind.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on November 08, 2010, 01:41:48 PM
Yes I agree with you we do lack a bit of creativity. I think if he is fit then Flutey could come back in. I would like to see Armitage tried at outside centre in a similar role to Hook with Wales. He has played there quite often for Irish I think.
Our main problem as I see it at the moment is No 10. I quite like Flood but he just isn't going to make that searing break that a Carter or a Cooper would do. Wilkinson has never had that pace or creativity really and the like of Geraghty,Lamb, Hodgson, Goode all have some question marks against them somewhere along the line. Which brings us to Cipriani !!. Hands up, I am a massive fan and saw his first start when he ran the game against Ireland in possibly the most creative performance by an England 10 I have ever seen. But, for whatever reason, he seems to have burnt his bridges with Johnson and probably won't be back until there's a change at the top.
I wish him well in Australia and look forward to seeing how he copes, is he as good as I think he is or is he as flaky as a lot of my mates tell me he is. I think if he was an Australian or NZ player though, they would have stuck with him and concentrated on what he can do, as opposed to what he can't do. And there lies the difference between the North and South Hemispheres.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Mac on November 08, 2010, 02:47:31 PM
Hmmm, if the ref had not have been French we might have won that. Whilst we lost by 10 points it took England 70 minutes to realise that NZ were playing poorly.
A good day out again. Twickenham service/treatment of fans is far superior to Wembley. Well, the selling of beer is.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: peter w on November 08, 2010, 02:59:40 PM
Villa are playing in London on the same day and you decide not to go but to watch this instead? I'm a rugby fan too but could never go to another game when Villa are playing in an area not too far away. Especially as you would have had to travel down to the same area also!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on November 09, 2010, 01:33:27 PM
Well I want to see a more imaginative centre pairing than Tindall and Hape this weekend.
What does Simpson- Daniel have to do to get a chance?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on November 09, 2010, 06:59:42 PM
Well you haven't had your wish as the backs are as they were. I think Johnson is trying to show a little consistency in selection and a bit of loyalty as well and to be fair, Hape and Tindall were the centres in June when we beat them. Here's hoping for the same outcome this weekend and think we have a heck of a chance, I think it will be close though.
As to the question Peter W, as to why I would go to Twickenham instead of Craven Cottage. I have a season ticket at Villa and generally go to around 7/8 away matches all season. If I am lucky and at the moment I am, I may get to Twickenham to see England a maximum of 3 times a year. If I get that chance I will take it, as I will on 27th this month when I am there for the South Africa game and my mate will take my season ticket.
I love both sports but to me there is a massive difference in going to see Villa and going to International Rugby. It's a far more pleasant environment at Rugby, for instance you don't get any Tracy Andrews songs and at my time of life, I am being drawn more to that aspect than say a night running the gauntlet at St Andrews.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on November 09, 2010, 09:04:29 PM
Villa are playing in London on the same day and you decide not to go but to watch this instead? I'm a rugby fan too but could never go to another game when Villa are playing in an area not too far away. Especially as you would have had to travel down to the same area also!
Yup
i get asked in the summer if I want to go to an autumn international. I say "yes" and get a ticket. I don't have much say in the specific one and wouldn't turn it down once it was got for me. I think I had more fun at Twickenham than Fulham.
Whisper it but I didn't go to the Blues game either, I went to the 49ers at Wembley. I brought that ticket in Feb. And I don't feel guilty about either. Since this is no longer "sport" but entertainment I thought I'd like to vary what I watch, rather than "shows" I've seen 10-20 times before.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 13, 2010, 11:27:37 AM
England really need to win today to build on last week.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 13, 2010, 03:50:58 PM
Youngs and Ashton are brilliant.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: TheTimVilla on November 13, 2010, 04:00:46 PM
Some fella ran a long way for a bit a while ago for England and everybody clapped. Too much detail?
Why are England not wearing white, at home?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 13, 2010, 04:11:32 PM
That was fucking brilliant, superb performance.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: TheSandman on November 13, 2010, 08:10:13 PM
Well we got pumped by the All Blacks today... It was not the least predictable score in the world.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on November 14, 2010, 12:17:02 PM
I cant see what either side (Scot or NZ) learnt from that procession.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on November 16, 2010, 01:18:12 PM
Great performance from England at the weekend and gives us something to build on ahead of the Six Nations and the World Cup.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: TheSandman on November 20, 2010, 04:21:31 PM
Get in!
Makes up for the fuckers' comeback last year.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 20, 2010, 04:29:30 PM
It's 1967 all over again... SCOTLAND HAVE WON THE WORLD CUP!!!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 20, 2010, 04:30:13 PM
Not the most fluent from England, but Samoa worked very very hard. Hodgson is rubbish.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on November 20, 2010, 05:02:36 PM
Not the two most entertaining games of rugby I've ever seen.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: taylorsworkrate on November 22, 2010, 06:31:15 AM
Not the most fluent from England, but Samoa worked very very hard. Hodgson is rubbish.
In fairness, Samoa are a much better team than given credit for and defended heroically. England have a young side that is not going to perform as brilliantly as they did against the aussies every time.
That being said, England still played some creative, ambitious stuff. We had plenty of chances and came within a whisker of scoring at least 3 more tries.
The signs are very very encouraging.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on November 22, 2010, 02:22:11 PM
I thought the same. If nothing else comes out of this little set of games it is that we do have something to build on ahead of the world cup.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 22, 2010, 07:23:58 PM
Not the most fluent from England, but Samoa worked very very hard. Hodgson is rubbish.
In fairness, Samoa are a much better team than given credit for and defended heroically. England have a young side that is not going to perform as brilliantly as they did against the aussies every time.
That being said, England still played some creative, ambitious stuff. We had plenty of chances and came within a whisker of scoring at least 3 more tries.
The signs are very very encouraging.
It wasn't really a criticism, I thought we did well and the win was the important thing. I'm very encouraged by our willingness to try more ambitious rugby now.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on November 22, 2010, 09:58:56 PM
Well I want to see a more imaginative centre pairing than Tindall and Hape this weekend.
What does Simpson- Daniel have to do to get a chance?
Just shows what I know! Play for Leceister probably.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: andyaston on November 24, 2010, 05:27:14 PM
Went to see Bath last weekend and they threw away a 13 point lead against Sarries. Borthwick still looks like a monster.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 27, 2010, 03:42:50 PM
We are struggling, South Africa have been pressurising and very physical.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 27, 2010, 03:52:44 PM
South Africa deserved that try they have been much better than I expected.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 27, 2010, 04:06:19 PM
Poor performance today by England.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on November 27, 2010, 05:52:37 PM
Can the real England step forward - is it the Australia one or the one today?
Title: Rugby
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 27, 2010, 10:40:56 PM
World Champions Scotland won again.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on November 28, 2010, 08:40:46 AM
With a late score against Samoa. Big wup.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on December 13, 2010, 08:27:40 PM
Tom Walkinshaw RIP
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on December 13, 2010, 08:36:38 PM
Made me laugh
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: usav on December 14, 2010, 02:24:55 AM
What a twat.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on December 16, 2010, 01:00:18 PM
I see that Gloucester keep on tickling ot victories. And an honourary mention for the Stourbridge Saxons who are having an excellent season.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on December 23, 2010, 03:29:37 PM
Game off Boxing day (Glaws vs Saints) which is a shame as a) it was going to be the son's first game and b) i wont be able to make a replay mid week.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on February 19, 2011, 07:49:35 AM
Gloucester up to third after beating Irish last night.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on February 19, 2011, 08:41:35 AM
Won 7 straight in 2011. I still think top 4 is ambitious. Apparently Nicky Robinson is off in the summer. As he's our only kicker I'd love to know who's going to be brought in.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on February 19, 2011, 12:38:03 PM
They might be trying to bring Burns in more. Robinson is pretty hit and miss anyway to be honest.
It would be nice to make an eye catching signing or two in the summer though. Doran-Jones is on his bike as well.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on February 27, 2011, 03:55:08 PM
And yet another win for Glaws, this time at Northampton.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on March 06, 2011, 09:00:16 AM
Another Glaws win. And over Bath to boot.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on March 07, 2011, 09:15:49 PM
That is what professional sport is all about. Great excitement and a bonus point win. A great day out for me and my son's first match to boot!
Title: Rugby
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 08, 2011, 01:58:24 AM
Two successive posts finishing in 'to boot'. Are you both on about Scotland's tactics?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on March 08, 2011, 08:09:39 AM
To get a bloody good hiding on Sunday is nearer the mark
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on March 13, 2011, 03:11:29 PM
That put the sheep shaggers in their place. Just need to organise some tickets for the LV final on Sunday now.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: JD on March 16, 2011, 03:00:06 AM
If any of you are into watching live Rugby you could be in for a treat a week on Saturday when the Mighty Crusaders from Christchurch play the Sharks at Twickenham.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on March 16, 2011, 11:08:33 AM
If any of you are into watching live Rugby you could be in for a treat a week on Saturday when the Mighty Crusaders from Christchurch play the Sharks at Twickenham.
They're playing over here?
Tempted to pop down for that.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: JD on March 16, 2011, 08:08:51 PM
Playing a Super Rugby game against the Sharks at Twickenham as a fund raiser for the Chch earthquake. As they aven't got a home in Chch they are spreading the word. Lot's of All Blacks in the squad (7 out of 8 in the pack), plus Dan Carter, Andy Ellis & Sonny Bill Williams.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on March 16, 2011, 08:28:09 PM
I did wonder where the Crusaders were going to play their home games.
Have they said anything about the World Cup at all?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: spangley1812 on March 16, 2011, 08:31:33 PM
I did wonder where the Crusaders were going to play their home games.
Have they said anything about the World Cup at all?
They have taken all the games (8 I think) away from Christchurch
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on March 16, 2011, 08:34:38 PM
Understandable, but still a bit of a kick in the bollocks for Christchurch. When I was there you could tell there were a lot of Union fans there and taking that away from them ain't good.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: JD on March 17, 2011, 08:27:04 PM
Understandable, but still a bit of a kick in the bollocks for Christchurch. When I was there you could tell there were a lot of Union fans there and taking that away from them ain't good.
It is a kick in the bollocks Bazz, but that's life. The City is a mess and looks like a warzone (was in there yesterday). It's not just the games it's about a lack of accommodation and bars/restaurants for visitors before and after games that is the bigger issue. As long as the pool matches stay in the South Island and can go to places like Nelson, Dunners and Invercargill the Chch people don't have too much of an issue. If they all go to the North Island it will have a big effect on the tourist industry in the South Island.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on March 17, 2011, 10:29:07 PM
Could they not also use Queenstown for some of the pool games too?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: JD on March 18, 2011, 04:00:13 AM
Not a big enough ground to accommodate the fans in Queenstown.
Invercargill & Nelson (where the Crusaders have been playing) have grounds 10K plus. A new stadium is being built in Dunedin & will be ready in time (around 30-35k).
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on March 18, 2011, 09:41:24 AM
How many does Queenstown hold then? I'd have thought it was 10k at least because of the Highlanders playing there.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: peter w on March 18, 2011, 11:50:02 AM
Plus it is easier to get to Nelson I'd have thought for people travelling into Auckland/Wellington, as well as those in the North island.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: JD on March 19, 2011, 01:55:17 AM
Heard today that the pool games will be split between Dunedin & Nelson, wth the QF's being transferred to Auckland. Was allowed into the Chch City Centre today with the Reponse & Rescue guys to get some stuff from my offices, very scary in there, can't describe how bad things are. Was in and out within 30 minutes, but it felt like a lifetime. Still lots of buildings very insecure and in danger.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on March 23, 2011, 05:16:33 PM
Gloucester won the Anglo Welsh Cup on Sunday.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on March 24, 2011, 08:45:38 PM
Indeed I'm going on saturday (Harlequeens away) what's the chances the long unbeaten run comes to an end?!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: peter w on March 25, 2011, 03:11:12 PM
More importantly Moseley look like they'll finally achieve what they've tried to do for the last couple of seasons and get relegated.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on March 25, 2011, 04:07:13 PM
I am at that bastion of seaside resorts visited by folks from the West Midlands of Brean this weekend.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on March 27, 2011, 09:47:11 PM
Fuck it.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on March 28, 2011, 04:14:43 PM
I did think of you when I saw the score
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on April 21, 2011, 06:16:18 PM
Just secured my seats for the Calcutta Cup in Edinburgh next year. Amazing how much easier it is to get a ticket for Murrayfield, compared to Twickenham and at £35 per seat as well !!!!. I've been 3 times in the last 5 visits and always had a great weekend, superb city to visit and the people are very friendly too.
We took a gamble 2 weeks ago to book our hotel and for once, for me anyway, that gamble has paid off. Accomodation in the Novotel in the City Centre and a ticket for less than £90 each. Can't be bad !!!!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on April 21, 2011, 08:58:34 PM
I'd heard from an unbiased source (an Irishman) that the Scotch were nice as pie outside the ground but once inside they turned into the biggest racists you'll find. True?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 22, 2011, 09:44:38 AM
I'd heard from an unbiased source (an Irishman) that the Scotch were nice as pie outside the ground but once inside they turned into the biggest racists you'll find. True?
Scotch pie...hmmmmmm!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on April 22, 2011, 04:31:46 PM
I'd heard from an unbiased source (an Irishman) that the Scotch were nice as pie outside the ground but once inside they turned into the biggest racists you'll find. True?
Not in my experience no. Can't speak for Football up there, but everytime I have been to Murrayfield we have been treated very well. I've only been to the Millenium once and that was for a World Cup warm up where there were as many England supporters as Wales, but I would hazard a guess that it may be worse there than in Edinburgh?.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on April 25, 2011, 05:20:57 PM
They are alright at Murrayfield as it goes. Who are Glaws signing then Lovejoy? Other than some non desript squad men?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on April 25, 2011, 09:00:25 PM
Other non descript squad men me thinks. I am worried about fly half next season now nicky's off. Burns looks good but he's young and never makes the 80 mins. Also his kicking is, if anything less reliable than Robinson too. Frankly we are shy a decent hooker and tight head and cover for Olly Morgan at FB as he's too injury prone. I am a glass half empty sort of guy but to finish 3rd (or possibly fourth) is a great achievement albeit canon fodder in the play offs.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on April 26, 2011, 10:59:21 AM
I am a bit concerned that the money will dry up with the passing of Tom Walkinshaw. Not sure on trusting Burns at fly half for a whole season.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on April 27, 2011, 02:04:10 PM
Indeed. It does beg the question where all the money goes given the large loyal support and the salary cap.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: VillaZogmariner on May 07, 2011, 11:37:53 AM
Army v Navy today at Twickenham.
Come on the Royals.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on May 08, 2011, 12:14:28 AM
I suppose it helps when you have a team full of Fijians, who's only job in the Army is to play rugby. Whereas ours go to sea for most of the year.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 14, 2011, 08:16:39 PM
As big a refereeing error as you'll ever see in football from the tigers vs saints game. Full arm swing punch to the face and only gets a yellow. The good thing with Rugby though is that he'll probably get an 8-12 match ban thrown at him on monday (which ironically means there's no chance of him getting into the england squad for the world cup), in football they'd refuse to even comment on it.
For anyone who hasn't seen the big call from it
The result was a yellow card each
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on May 14, 2011, 09:18:21 PM
Shocker of a decision not to send him off. Sky don't appear to be showing Gloucester and Saracens tomorrow.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 14, 2011, 09:20:19 PM
Is it not on ESPN?
EDIT: Yes it is on ESPN, 1:30 programme start
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 14, 2011, 09:26:36 PM
It was appalling, he should get a long ban for that.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on May 15, 2011, 02:38:52 AM
No ESPN in this house. It won't be on at the local. A free stream anywhere?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on May 16, 2011, 01:54:24 PM
Paul_e in rugby the ban is often a length of time rather than a specific number of matches. I suspect he will get a reasonable length ban but ultimately only miss one game. Typical classless Leicester.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 17, 2011, 04:04:47 PM
Paul_e in rugby the ban is often a length of time rather than a specific number of matches. I suspect he will get a reasonable length ban but ultimately only miss one game. Typical classless Leicester.
Depends on the time of the season in my playing experience. Given this happened in the playoff a ban of x weeks would be effectively a 1 match ban so I'd expect it to either be a number of matches or more likely a ban starting from the first game of the season. Unfortunately both of those options would effectively rule him out of the world cup squad and I think they've been planning on taking him along so he might well get a much leaner punishment than it deserved. Fingers crossed they do ban him and England take the much more effective Anthony Allen instead.
For the record I'd have given him a yellow for the tackle that led to it all, let alone the punches afterwards. I thought Ashton was actually really good to not react much worse than he did. Was a cowards tackle and not something that's nice to see of the supposed future of the english backs.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on May 18, 2011, 07:29:50 AM
The Forest of Dean's own Wayne Barnes is getting rightly slated for not sending Tuilagi off. This is the problem with the sin-bin system; offences that used to be sendings off are now treated too leniently.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on May 18, 2011, 08:32:12 AM
To be fair, Barnes had his back to it. It was the shitty touch judge that made the call.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on May 18, 2011, 01:08:58 PM
Exactly Barnes did exactly what he should have donw and consult his touch judge. For me the touch judge needs a bit of retraining/gardening leave because he made up the fact that players exchanged punches. If he said he didn't have a clear view I could live with it but as he made something up he needs to be punished in some way as this effectively cost Saints the game.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on May 18, 2011, 07:41:42 PM
5 weeks so effectively one game. The Leicester mafia strike again. Olivier Azam gets 14 weeks for freeing his leg. It stinks no wonder they win the league each year they are the Man Utd of rugby.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Gareth on May 18, 2011, 09:46:53 PM
Worcester back in Premiership....fair play!!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on May 19, 2011, 08:00:10 AM
They'll soon go down again! The Tuilagi ban is a joke. Keeps him nice and free for summer internationals I note.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on May 19, 2011, 08:28:35 AM
If there wasn't a world cup coming up it would have been months.
Yup, this was always the worry, he's being hyped as the next big thing in english rugby, they were always going to make sure he was back in time for the world cup. Shocking decision, particularly that they reduced it by 5 weeks for provocation. Blindside tackle someone then when they give you a bit of a push in reaction it's less of a problem to get up and try to take their head off. Terrible.
As someone mentioned earlier though, the real villian is the assistant who made up a Chris Ashton punch and completely failed to comprehend the nature of the final punch. Saints would've won easily against 14 for 50minutes.
Gutted about the other semi as well, saracens are easily the most dull side in the league (despite having a few very exciting players), their game is a throwback to the 10man rugby that dominated in the amateur era. Even worse they are all about Britz, Burger and Joubert so they're not even doing anything to help develop english talent (other than Farrell).
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Sam Smith on May 19, 2011, 07:34:44 PM
The press would have cited the usual arguments concerning moral decline and sportsman detached from the paying public if one of the premiership footballers had done that. Some Leicester players came to my school coaching and showing the lads how to use the weights room properly and they said that that lad was the strongest at the club and can bench 220kgs apparently. Its lucky it didnt land on his temple, it could have killed him. Criminal charges surely? I cant believe a game that rejoices the fact they dont tell the ref to Fuck off doesnt demand this kid gets a massive ban! Nothing against rugby and I dont know anything about the game but that ruling seems rediculous.
Sorry for any errors, I cant find spell check.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on May 20, 2011, 12:59:52 PM
At least Gloucester would have played some rugby in the final although half the squad seem to be leaving in the summer.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on May 21, 2011, 07:58:37 AM
..and we know in our hearts we would have lost. Just once it would be nice to go to twickenham and give someone a beating. That said 3rd, the Cup and HC next season is a great return for Brush and the boys. G'wan Glaws.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 21, 2011, 12:06:16 PM
..and we know in our hearts we would have lost. Just once it would be nice to go to twickenham and give someone a beating. That said 3rd, the Cup and HC next season is a great return for Brush and the boys. G'wan Glaws.
In trinder, sharples and burns gloucester have got the basis of a fantastic backline, I think they're just going to get stronger over the next couple of years.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: damon loves JT on May 21, 2011, 12:38:07 PM
The sevens are on Sky. It makes me tired just watching it
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 21, 2011, 01:10:09 PM
Watched a bit of it this morning, the only problem with sevens is that it's all about pace, the best players are the ones who can cover 10-20yards quickest. Chris Ashton would be awesome to watch in sevens, he'd score a hatful.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 21, 2011, 05:57:33 PM
What a first half from saints. As good a forward performance as you'll ever see and Foden and Jon Clarke have been immense in the backs.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: richard moore on May 21, 2011, 05:58:06 PM
What a final so far, got the Saints to win at 12/5 as well, as ever a rugby final lives up to all the hype whereas a football equivalent hardly ever does...witness last week's awful FA Cup final
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 21, 2011, 11:09:40 PM
what a difference half time makes. I should be gutted (as a saints fan) but it's difficult to be too upset when you see a fly-half play like that. Stunning performance from sexton backed up by a really aggressive pack, 27-0 to leinster in the second half and that was kept down by some very good defending at times from saints.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on May 22, 2011, 12:13:42 AM
That was some comeback. As good a scrummaging performance as you will see first half.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on May 23, 2011, 12:43:30 PM
Northampton got tired in 2H. To be fair to them they play competitive rugby every week whereas the Magners teams can pick and choose whilst focussing on 6N and Heineken Cup matches.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on May 23, 2011, 01:06:37 PM
Interesting squad for the Barbarians game.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 23, 2011, 01:15:31 PM
I really like the look of that squad, lots of very talented youngsters, hopefully it will give a few of them a chance to push for the world cup squad (attwood, marler, dickson and trinder have all done enough to be worth looking at for the world cup squad).
Will be interesting to see how big the barbars go, full internationals all through the squad would make it very interesting (I'd love to see a front row with tonga'huia, castro and britz for example).
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on May 28, 2011, 03:06:10 PM
Saracens vs Leicester - it's difficult to know who to root for. Neither team are in any way loveable. I think overall I'd prefer to see the Saffas win at least its a change from the old guard.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 28, 2011, 04:54:01 PM
Great final this.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on June 25, 2011, 03:00:10 PM
So what do people make of the initial world cup squad then? Some peculiar choices as I see it but there we go.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 25, 2011, 04:02:00 PM
I like the fact Stevens is in, because I think he adds a lot to the front row. A couple of interesting choices, although centres are still the concern.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on November 13, 2011, 07:20:41 PM
Good weekend of Heineken Cup games with the Welsh and Scots taking pride of place with wins for all of their teams.
Saw the Northampton and Gloucester games and not sure either got what they deserved. Amazing talent coming through at Glaws with the likes of Burns, Trinder, Sharples and May looking really promising. I'm sure Cheltenham Lion can enlighten on what they stick in the water down there to produce such players.
I would say its looking promising for the future for England, but I have no faith in the RFU to sort the mess that is currently there. And if by some fluke Johnson stays, then I am damn sure he won't be picking them anytime soon and we will be relying on the likes of Banahan and other bruisers instead. (bangs head against wall)
As I said, good weekend and bring on the next one.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on November 14, 2011, 08:54:23 AM
Glaws were unlucky but I would have taken a bonus point before the game.
The Academy is very strong. Basically, they are involved in coaching across the county and from a young age.
Add in a few teenagers that haven't already been picked up from Bath/Bristol way, a school system that has rugby on the curriculum at every school in the county and hey presto.
Will the nippers get picked for England? Will they bollocks. Too much attacking talent.
I do see a major trophy in the next 2-3 years mind if we keep them together.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on November 14, 2011, 02:26:34 PM
Having just got back from Toulouse I must say how proud I was of Glaws yesterday - I never thought we'd be anywhere close and did, for a moment, think we might actually win. Whilst Tindall is getting a lot of focus for me its the unsung heroes, the like of Buxton and Nick Wood who pulled out massive games. Also mention to the travelling support (1,500+ I reckon) certainly kept the locals in check! I wont be near any alcohol this week.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on November 16, 2011, 11:54:00 AM
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 16, 2011, 01:50:39 PM
Will be interesting to see who takes over. Hopefully someone progressive and the RFU can get its house in order.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on November 17, 2011, 08:23:25 AM
Agreed. Perhaps we look abroad. Whoever gets the job needs to bring the attack minded kids through.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on November 18, 2011, 09:09:48 PM
Mallender?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 18, 2011, 09:10:27 PM
Might be a good shout.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on November 21, 2011, 03:20:13 PM
Two bloody home defeats on the bounce. Its unheard of.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on November 22, 2011, 02:21:13 PM
At work I have a spurs fan on one side and a harlequins fan on the other side. It's a 'mare. The next game? Just Leicester!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on November 26, 2011, 06:00:35 PM
Does anyone know where I can find streams to rugby matches. I am currently outside the UK so SKY etc are no good to me. Currently searching for streams of Saints v Saracens.
Come on you Saints!!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: rutski on November 26, 2011, 06:28:58 PM
i love the fact that rugby is disgracing itself big time! For years Rugby fans have gone on about poofball and how footballers are primadonnas and they are real men playing a true hard, fair game! well after bloodgate(which was in its self fucking hilarious), and the current england rugby teams escapades the rugby fans arent so full of their usual condescending crap about their beautiful game. The way the refs were criticised after sending offs and the ref refusing to give france anything in the final just shows that the rugby players and officials are as much primadonnas as their football counterparts. Plus, not forgetting, it is a shit game!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: bertlambshank on November 26, 2011, 06:46:21 PM
But They can still drink beer in view of the pitch. Upper class.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on November 26, 2011, 06:55:54 PM
i love the fact that rugby is disgracing itself big time! For years Rugby fans have gone on about poofball and how footballers are primadonnas and they are real men playing a true hard, fair game! well after bloodgate(which was in its self fucking hilarious), and the current england rugby teams escapades the rugby fans arent so full of their usual condescending crap about their beautiful game. The way the refs were criticised after sending offs and the ref refusing to give france anything in the final just shows that the rugby players and officials are as much primadonnas as their football counterparts. Plus, not forgetting, it is a shit game!
I don't agree with that, particularly with regard to the World Cup. I think ITV dumbed down their coverage and deliberately created "storms in tea cups" in an attempt to boost viewing figures. I think most rugby players and fans did not change their behaviour, the difference was that the media spotlight was that much greater.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: rutski on November 26, 2011, 07:51:42 PM
i love the fact that rugby is disgracing itself big time! For years Rugby fans have gone on about poofball and how footballers are primadonnas and they are real men playing a true hard, fair game! well after bloodgate(which was in its self fucking hilarious), and the current england rugby teams escapades the rugby fans arent so full of their usual condescending crap about their beautiful game. The way the refs were criticised after sending offs and the ref refusing to give france anything in the final just shows that the rugby players and officials are as much primadonnas as their football counterparts. Plus, not forgetting, it is a shit game!
I don't agree with that, particularly with regard to the World Cup. I think ITV dumbed down their coverage and deliberately created "storms in tea cups" in an attempt to boost viewing figures. I think most rugby players and fans did not change their behaviour, the difference was that the media spotlight was that much greater.
i think that your excuses are not valid about storms in teacups, they have embarrassed their sport, talksport, the telegraph, sky sports have taken all this on big time! the rfu is 'THE' biggest old boys network around and now they have been shown up as incompetants! Professionalism has done the same to rugby as it has to every other sport and ruined its core! i love the fact that rugby fans resent this massively but will not see that they are in it for the long haul like the rest of us.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on November 28, 2011, 09:23:19 PM
i love the fact that rugby is disgracing itself big time! For years Rugby fans have gone on about poofball and how footballers are primadonnas and they are real men playing a true hard, fair game! well after bloodgate(which was in its self fucking hilarious), and the current england rugby teams escapades the rugby fans arent so full of their usual condescending crap about their beautiful game. The way the refs were criticised after sending offs and the ref refusing to give france anything in the final just shows that the rugby players and officials are as much primadonnas as their football counterparts. Plus, not forgetting, it is a shit game!
At the risk of feeding the troll, can I ask if you've ever been to a rugby game?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 30, 2011, 11:02:01 AM
Interesting that Kirwan is interested in the interim role with a view to taking the role permanently if he's a success. So kind of using the 6 Nations as an interview. I don't mind that idea to be honest.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on November 30, 2011, 07:38:37 PM
No, but I have never been convinced that Kirwan is more than a well spoken kiwi that played in a good team.
No standout coaching achievements I can recall anyway.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 30, 2011, 08:07:20 PM
No that's why I wouldn't mind him taking the caretaker role to see what he can do, if he can't do the business then no real harm done.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on December 06, 2011, 07:26:08 AM
Leicester v Northampton and Geordan Murphy not only landed punches in an early melee (where the ref sent the wrong two guys off) incredibally while being treated for an injury he sprang to life taking advantage of being on the Northampton side in order to block a defnder to enable Leicester to score the winning try at the end. Not cited. Same old Leicester always cheating.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on December 07, 2011, 08:40:03 AM
Indeed
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on December 18, 2011, 11:10:04 AM
Gloucester made for tense viewing again yesterday.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on December 18, 2011, 12:19:58 PM
Glos just seem to panic a bit and don't have a big game mentality. Something they need to work on before Toulouse come to town.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 05, 2012, 06:25:04 PM
I shall be following Glaws to Worcester on Saturday.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on January 06, 2012, 07:13:12 PM
On paper we should win, in practise our away form suggests a close defeat.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on January 06, 2012, 10:32:32 PM
Oh and welcome back Harlequins you've been missed.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 08, 2012, 08:27:59 AM
Poor game. We butchered a number of chances and gave a stupid breakaway try to Garvey.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on January 08, 2012, 12:23:45 PM
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on January 08, 2012, 09:45:36 PM
Another to add to the long list of disappointing away defeats to inferior opponents by Glos. I do hope Olly Morgans alright.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 10, 2012, 01:48:15 PM
He was a trojan under the high ball again.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on January 10, 2012, 07:57:14 PM
I also went to this game, got a late invite for some hospitality and a little bit of "charidee" thrown in. Excellent afternoon out and reminded me how nice it is to mix with rugby fans who get on with each other, sit together and can have a bit of banter without threatening to punch people's faces in !!.
Anyway, I was watching as a neutral but with a slight inkling towards Glars. From my perspective in the back row of the temporary stand behind the post, it was more a case of Gloucester losing the game rather than Worcester winning it. Can't believe the impact Goode made and I bet Freddie Burns is disappointed that he let him through for his try. Gloucs seemed to go from side to side and be lateral rather than been more dynamic and cutting an angle?. Shame, because as I said earlier in this thread, they have some fantastic youngsters in the backs and normally play a great brand of rugby.
Cheltenham Lion. Do you think Jonny May HAS to be in the team somewhere?. Watched a fair bit of him this year and I think he has the lot. Would love to think that he will be in the England squad tomorrow, but does he suffer from being to versatile for his own good?. I guess if Morgan is out for a while then he will fill in at 15, but is that his best position?.
Keep the faith anyway, should be proud of your team and the kids it produces.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on January 11, 2012, 02:00:13 PM
Full squad announced for the 6N...
Happy with most of it but barritt and turner-hall shouldn't both be in, they're too similar, trinder should've got one of those spots.
Not sure I see the point of picking Hodgson, he's shown time and again that he's not capable of making the step up, I guess it will depend on how burns and Lamb perform in the saxons, hopefully one of them will take that spot for the autumn though.
Really happy to see Marler, Cole and Coerbisiero in there, that's us sorted at prop for the next 10 years if they perform as well as they do at club level.
This 6N is going to be really exciting as an England fan, we've had a great U20 setup for the last few years and this is a squad full of the best of the last few groups to come through, with another great batch in there now we could have a great young squad by the 2015 World Cup and the home advantage will give us a great shot.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 11, 2012, 02:14:19 PM
It's an interesting squad with plenty of promise. I was gutted Wade got injured at Wasps, as I thought he had a chance of getting in. Everytime I see him on the wing he looks exciting and very quick.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on January 11, 2012, 04:15:38 PM
It's an interesting squad with plenty of promise. I was gutted Wade got injured at Wasps, as I thought he had a chance of getting in. Everytime I see him on the wing he looks exciting and very quick.
Wade would've been in the saxons for sure. He looks a top prospect. The other top young winger to watchout for is jamie elliott at saints who has looked very good so far this season.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 11, 2012, 06:05:55 PM
I hope Olly isn't out for any length of time. He has been our best player this year.
I would play May all day long. I remarked to the Worcester fans behind me, who were commenting on how quick Sinbad is, that May is the quickest of the lot at Gloucester and by a fair distance.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on January 11, 2012, 07:49:41 PM
Ouch, Olly out for 6 months. He and Sinbad really are the unluckiest pair of players I have ever seen. Both should have had mountains of England caps but it just hasn't happened.
Jonny May will probably be at 15 for the rest of the season I guess, so a good opportunity for him.
I see Sharples has got a call up today, but I can't help wishing May had been picked as well. Strettle is in, but again he never seems to play 4 games running and I bet if he gets picked he won't play 80 mins due to injury. Wish Andy Saull was in as well, as we seem to lack a true out and out 7. All in all though, not a bad job and a little more exciting than some of Johnno's last efforts
Off up to Edinburgh in 3 weeks time and looking forward to it and hoping for a win for the first time for a few years. Would go as follows I think :
Corbiersero Hartley Cole Palmer Lawes (Attwood if Lawes out) Croft Morgan Wood (c)
Ouch, Olly out for 6 months. He and Sinbad really are the unluckiest pair of players I have ever seen. Both should have had mountains of England caps but it just hasn't happened.
Jonny May will probably be at 15 for the rest of the season I guess, so a good opportunity for him.
I see Sharples has got a call up today, but I can't help wishing May had been picked as well. Strettle is in, but again he never seems to play 4 games running and I bet if he gets picked he won't play 80 mins due to injury. Wish Andy Saull was in as well, as we seem to lack a true out and out 7. All in all though, not a bad job and a little more exciting than some of Johnno's last efforts
Off up to Edinburgh in 3 weeks time and looking forward to it and hoping for a win for the first time for a few years. Would go as follows I think :
Corbiersero Hartley Cole Palmer Lawes (Attwood if Lawes out) Croft Morgan Wood (c)
Bench Stevens, Webber, Botha, Robshaw, Simpson, Strettle, Brown
I agree on Saull, great player, i think our 7 long term will be kvesic though, he looks a real prospect.
Agree with the team other than getting flood in for hodgson asap (although hopefully Freddie Burns and George Ford will be the 10s for 2015).
Bench is more debateable. Personally I'd replace Stevens, Simpson and Strettle with Marler, Dickson and Turner-Hall - I don't see Stevens or Strettle as being able to change the game whereas Marler and Truner-Hall would and Simpson's distribution is nothing like good enough for the set of backs england have outside him, Dickson is great and generating quick ball and getting the backs into the game (he is the key player for Northampton who are immense when he plays well).
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on January 12, 2012, 07:51:34 AM
Poor game. We butchered a number of chances and gave a stupid breakaway try to Garvey.
The way Glawster are going, they'll soon be playing Zindy and Lyd in the league.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on January 12, 2012, 08:22:34 AM
Marler is good round the pitch but not an international class scrummager. If I were Nick Wood I'd be a bit peeved at the moment and be thinking of getting a ridiculous hair cut as this seems to be the selection criteria.
I reckon Louis Deacon has some photos of the RFU hierarchy can't think why he's picked otherwise.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 13, 2012, 08:45:29 AM
How have we only got one player in that squad? And there are some bags of old shite like Hodgson, Deacon and Mears as well.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on January 13, 2012, 09:48:49 PM
Historically Gloucester players have been overlooked by England. Sinbad, Morgan, Nick Wood even as far back as John Gadd and Kevin Dunn. They always go for the Leicester, Bath or Harlequins player when there is no outstanding choice.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on January 13, 2012, 10:52:19 PM
Historically Gloucester players have been overlooked by England. Sinbad, Morgan, Nick Wood even as far back as John Gadd and Kevin Dunn. They always go for the Leicester, Bath or Harlequins player when there is no outstanding choice.
To quote David Byrne.. "same as it ever was, same as it ever was".
I'll take you back further than that. Just think of the Gloucester forwards who barely got a look for England; Steve Mills, Gordon Sargent, John Fidler and so on........... right back to Bumps Carpenter (20 times a reserve but only one cap).
Also, look at all the great scrum halves we've produced in the area who either just picked up the odd cap (Peter Kingston, Trevor Wintle) or none at all (John Morris, Paul Howell, Julian Davis).
I could make a case for John Morris and Paul Howell being England's best ever uncapped players.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 17, 2012, 04:56:21 PM
I miss the days when I first started going when we always had the most fearsome pack in the country. Its gone totally the other way now.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on January 17, 2012, 08:55:06 PM
There's some great names in that Gloucester squad, including three from Lydney; Sarge, "Tubby" Brookes and the late great Colyn Price.
I used to have a collection of all Lydney's programmes from the 70's to early 80's, together with the club's historical records. I handed them all over to the club about ten years ago. Hopefully they're keeping them in safe storage.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on January 18, 2012, 08:37:02 AM
I also miss having a proper cup competition which all clubs get to enter.
http://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/documents/780128.pdf NB - For that game, Gloucester's scrum half, Paul "The King" Howell and reserve scrum half, Peter Kingston both came from Lyd (along with Viner in the centre, Chris Williams at fly half and Sarge at prop)
We had some great games at home (Sale twice, Saracens and even Nottingham when they were the top club) but the highlight had to be the game away at Redruth when we hired a train.
It was also fun to watch the draw and look out for which was the big boys was going to get scared shitless at the prospect of a trip to Berry Hill (Zinnndyferrrd were a non-factor in those days).
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 19, 2012, 02:18:39 PM
Heard on 5 Live the other morning the RFU have appointed a firm of head hunters to search for the next England head coach. Interesting move especially for the old farts at the RFU who have previously relied on the old boys network & word of mouth for senior appointments.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 19, 2012, 07:09:15 PM
Me, the wife and our 18 month old lad are in the forest for a long, family weekend next week. I am in charge of a couple of afternoons out.
On a scale of 1-10, where ten is divorce, just how fucked off do you think she would be if one of those excursions was Glaws v Cardiff?
She is no fan of rugby.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on January 19, 2012, 08:52:18 PM
Try telling her we're the defending cup holders.
I'm going to Kingsholm on valentines weekend so I'll see you at the singles night.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on January 20, 2012, 08:17:11 AM
Christchurch at the Forest Holidays site. Log cabins and hot tubs agogo.
OK, I wondered if it was going to be Whitemead
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 20, 2012, 08:52:19 PM
Playing the French at their own game here. We won't win but its good to watch.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 20, 2012, 09:45:21 PM
Fantastic win. Magnificent performance. The backs were a joy to watch in particular Johnny May.
We ended with backs with an average age of 12.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on January 21, 2012, 11:57:50 AM
The Glaws backline really is fantastic at times, all kids as well, england are going to have rich pickings there in the next few years.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 21, 2012, 01:17:51 PM
Great turn of that pace I have been talking about with May for the final try. They play for Gloucester though, so wont get close to a game for England.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on January 21, 2012, 08:47:46 PM
Great turn of that pace I have been talking about with May for the final try. They play for Gloucester though, so wont get close to a game for England.
Too soddin true unfortunately. I mentioned earlier in this thread that I wanted him to be in the Senior squad and typically English we have stuck him in the Saxons. As I said earlier Cheltenham Lion, not sure where his best position is, but he should be in the match day 22 come what may. Was flicking between large chunks of the Glaws game last night and little bits of the Quins and why we are obsessed with crash, bang, wallop centres like Barrat and Turner-Hall is beyond me. It's no use having a top back 3 if they never get the ball because the centres don't have the passing skills.
Also, if Robshaw is an International number 7 I'll be amazed, let alone a captain. Great club player, no doubt on that, but I have serious doubts as to his quality on the top stage.
And watching Saints v Munster tonight, I wonder if Mallender has shot himself in the foot by not picking Ashton?. The guy has signed for Sarries next year, it happens in Rugby, but you can't throw the baby out with the bathwater and not pick him, that's stupid to me.
I have serious worries that Ashton will go the way of Cipriani here, whereby he gets a certain reputation and it sticks with him and he gradually leaves the international scene. Hold my hands up here and say I am a fan of Cips and I feel that Johnno penalised him for being Kelly Brooks boyfriend?. He's been a tw*t at times, as all youngsters have, but he should have been worked with and not just washed his hands of.
Rant over !! Great win for Glaws last night :-)
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Handsworth Wood Villa on January 26, 2012, 05:11:00 PM
So who do we support in rugby then?
Moseley or Birmingham & Solihull?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on January 26, 2012, 11:03:39 PM
Read this thread - it's mostly Glos on here mate.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on January 27, 2012, 02:34:47 PM
Couldn't swing the rugby in the end. Am instead in Ross on Wye. Haven't been to Ross in years. I love little market towns like this.
What ? You mean that you didn't fancy a day out in Cinderford or Drybrook ?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 29, 2012, 02:19:11 PM
Not especially. Good win yesterday.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 30, 2012, 06:55:30 PM
Got back from the Forest at lunchtime. Beautiful, cloudless skies all the way back.
A step change from this morning when I appeared to have woken up in Narnia.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on January 30, 2012, 07:56:25 PM
Seeing as glaws seems to be the team of choice for many on here have yhou seen they've picked up Billy Twelvetrees to join in the summer.
That's a backline of Burns, Twelvetrees, Trinder; May, Morgan, Sharples - that wouldn't look out of place on an international team sheet.
Personally I think it's an excellent signing, Burns is going to be a world class 10 but his weakness is spot kicking, bringing in a 12 who can take on the longer range kicks where Burns struggles is a great decision and they've all got good hands and are good at beating the first man. Just need to sort out the front 5 now.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on January 30, 2012, 09:13:12 PM
Plus Simpson-Daniel. Pretty happy with Wood and Big Jim in the front 5.
If I could have one wish it would be for a top 9 as we haven't had one since Gommersall. Jimmy Cowan has been mentioned. Either way next season is one to look forward to just need to get the HC qualification.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 31, 2012, 09:06:54 AM
Its quite a set of young backs but I would love to see us throw a few bob at the pack.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on January 31, 2012, 07:53:41 PM
Plus Simpson-Daniel. Pretty happy with Wood and Big Jim in the front 5.
If I could have one wish it would be for a top 9 as we haven't had one since Gommersall. Jimmy Cowan has been mentioned. Either way next season is one to look forward to just need to get the HC qualification.
I love simpson-daniel, I left him off (and fuimano-sapolo who i also rate) to highlight the young and English aspect. Of the 6 I listed Oliie Morgan is the oldest at 25-26 (can't be bothered to go look).
I agree on Hamilton and Wood and I quite like the look of Dawidiuk as an impact player from the bench but there are no other front 5 players that are good enough in the squad, the back row is a bit weak as well, Qera and Narraway are quality but there's nothing else there either.
As for 9 I like Dave Lewis, I think he deserves a run at some point to see if he can make it but he can pass off the floor from either hand which is what you want with that set of backs. With a better 6 to help get quick ball the potential is there.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on February 01, 2012, 12:51:47 PM
We haven't had a decent hooker for years. That, a top class second row and a real leader of an eight would be my wish list.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on February 02, 2012, 01:24:02 PM
Ben Foden; Chris Ashton; Brad Barritt, Owen Farrell, David Strettle; Charlie Hodgson; Ben Youngs; Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole; Mouritz Botha, Tom Palmer; Tom Croft, Chris Robshaw (captain), Phil Dowson.
Replacements: Rob Webber, Matt Stevens, Geoff Parling, Ben Morgan, Lee Dickson, Jordan Turner-Hall, Mike Brown.
Team I shall be supporting in the North Stand at Murrayfield on Saturday. This will be my 4th visit to Edinburgh, always an absolute pleasure 2 wins, 1 draw so far and for the first time I am convinced will we lose. Maybe the Villa have brought the glass half empty feel to me, I dunno, but I am not convinced by this side at all. Not sure why Phil Dowson is being picked at 8 when he doesn't play there for Northampton, when we got hold of Morgan as quickly as possible to stop him being taken by the Welsh. Back three looks quite tasty, albeit would have liked to have seen Sharples in, but will they get the ball?. Not convinced myself.
If we are losing and needing to chase the game, god help us. There is no pace or creativity from either Brown or Turner-Hall, just bish, bash, bosh. Having said that, Brown is having an excellent season, but I don't see him as an impact substitute at all. If he doesn't start, he shouldn't be in the 22 for me.
Either way, am looking forward to the long drive up there tomorrow and will enjoy either way.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on February 02, 2012, 02:05:06 PM
My father in law has watch most England 6N games in the last 10 years (and he's Irish!) and reckons the Scottish crowd are very nice outside the ground but inside are the most racist he's ever come across (albeit he's never been to Anfield).
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on February 02, 2012, 02:51:56 PM
Strettle? And that's a funny looking pack. And a shite bench.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on February 02, 2012, 03:02:36 PM
Don't know enough about him to judge but it smacks of a pick just so the Taffs can't.
Well, they've already nabbed Westbury-on-Severn's Alex Cuthbert
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 03, 2012, 09:55:03 AM
I'm excited by England's team, with the likes of Wood, Flood and Tuilagi to come back I think there is a really promising side if we choose to play expansive rugby. I'd like to see Sharples get a chance as well.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on February 06, 2012, 07:57:34 PM
In all my days, I never thought I would see Tins kicking!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on February 06, 2012, 08:21:01 PM
I am going on Saturday vs N'hampton. Hopefully a more full strength side will go out or we're in trouble.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on February 14, 2012, 02:36:23 PM
Just read in the Telegraph today that Gloucester will be signing Ben Morgan for next season. They will buy out the last year of his contract with the Scarlets and he will move back from whence he came.
What do you Gloucs boys think about this?. Narraway is already there, so will he be moved to 6 do you think?. From an England point of view I guess it is good, because he now gets freed up for all the training camps. However against that the Scarlets play a great offloading game which he is very much part of and brings something a little different to your average England forward?.
If he is to move back though, then either Gloucester or Northampton are the closest fit to the game the Scarlets play, so all good news I guess.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on February 14, 2012, 03:54:14 PM
Just read in the Telegraph today that Gloucester will be signing Ben Morgan for next season. They will buy out the last year of his contract with the Scarlets and he will move back from whence he came.
What do you Gloucs boys think about this?. Narraway is already there, so will he be moved to 6 do you think?. From an England point of view I guess it is good, because he now gets freed up for all the training camps. However against that the Scarlets play a great offloading game which he is very much part of and brings something a little different to your average England forward?.
If he is to move back though, then either Gloucester or Northampton are the closest fit to the game the Scarlets play, so all good news I guess.
There are lots of rumours of Narraway going to northampton to replace Wilson who's going back to ulster. This move would suggest there's some substance in those.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on February 15, 2012, 07:58:58 AM
Just read in the Telegraph today that Gloucester will be signing Ben Morgan for next season. They will buy out the last year of his contract with the Scarlets and he will move back from whence he came.
Time to bring Alex Cuthbert back to Gloucestershire as well ?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on February 15, 2012, 10:56:43 PM
There's also talk of Jimmy Cowan. Not sure where all the money is coming from but genuinely excited for next season (unlike for the Villa).
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on February 16, 2012, 08:14:51 AM
Gloucester haven't made a big name signing in some time now so pleased if the wallet is opening again.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on February 18, 2012, 07:23:35 PM
Go on Glaws!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on February 18, 2012, 09:37:27 PM
On that performance Wood should be with England, and so long as Farrell is goal-kicking so should Burns, the break from Burns for the try was something no one else would've tried let alone got through, bit more pace on tins and they've have been straight in, was brilliance.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on February 18, 2012, 10:01:46 PM
Some days sport gives you a spring in your step. Haven't felt much like this with villa recently (Chelsea away excepted).
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 23, 2012, 10:20:45 AM
Interesting four changes for us, Tuilagi, Morgan, Dickson and Parling in and Youngs, Hodgson, Dowson and Palmer out. Farrell has moved to No.10. I'm glad Manu is back in he gives us real drive in the centres.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on February 24, 2012, 09:52:22 PM
just watched the england under20s against wales. 10players out of the squad and still won 40-9.
A couple of them looked real quality, Charlie Walker in the centre and Anthony Watson on the wing being the real stars.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on February 29, 2012, 10:06:28 AM
Luke Narraway leaving Glaws for Perpignan next season. Although he says differently, that seems to rule out anymore appearances for England.
Would imagine that the rumours about Ben Morgan joining are pretty much nailed on now?. With Strokotsch going as well, plenty of changes in the back row
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on March 05, 2012, 01:27:47 PM
Gloucester sign England's Ben Morgan from Scarlets Ben Morgan will leave Scarlets at the end of the season to join Gloucester on a three-year contract.
The 23-year-old still has a year to run on his current deal and Gloucester have paid an undisclosed fee to bring the England number eight to Kingsholm.
"He's come on the scene with Scarlets this year and proved he's a top performer," head coach Bryan Redpath told BBC Gloucestershire.
"He's only scratched the surface of where he can go to."
MORGAN STATS •Born: 18 February 1989 in Bristol •Height: 6ft 3ins (1.90m) •Weight: 18st 3lbs (116kg) •Position: No 8 •Previous clubs: Dursley, Cinderford, Merythr Tydfil, Scarlets •Scarlets Young Player of the Year in 2011 •Three England caps Bristol-born Morgan was educated in Gloucestershire and started his career at Dursley before spells with Cinderford and Merthyr Tydfil, and played for both Cardiff Blues and Gloucestershire at under-20 level.
He signed for Scarlets in 2009 and has made 45 appearances for the Pro12 outfit.
Morgan was eligible to play for Wales at international level, having lived there for more than three years, but he opted to join the England set-up and made his debut as a replacement against Scotland in last month's Six Nations clash.
Continue reading the main story “As a proud Englishman, I feel it's best that I now take my club career forward within the Premiership and my home country ”
Ben Morgan "It has been a staggering season for me and I feel privileged and honoured to have been able to represent both the Scarlets and England," added Morgan.
"I'm grateful for the opportunities handed to me by the Scarlets to play the top-flight club rugby which led me to international selection and my dream to play for England.
"As a proud Englishman, I feel it's best that I now take my club career forward within the Premiership and my home country and I am pleased to be joining Gloucester next season as a club with similar values and ambitions as the Scarlets.
"I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the coaches and back-room staff at the Scarlets who've been a huge influence and support and helped me achieve so much in a short space of time. So much credit should go to them for what I have achieved.
"It's been a brilliant three years at Scarlets and living in Llanelli where the supporters have been so loyal, welcoming and supportive."
As predicted and a ready made replacement for Narraway. Looking at the Leicester game yesterday though, they need to beef up their front 5 and hope that every game is played in dry conditions. Would be interesting if they met in the play offs with a nice, sunny day. Don't think it would be that one sided then
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on March 13, 2012, 06:15:36 PM
Are there no Saints fans on this site? Whilst all this Gloucester insight is very interesting, can't we spread the love around a bit?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on March 13, 2012, 07:46:56 PM
I'm a saints fan mainly but i have a soft spot for gloucs as well. I really like them both at the minute because they both try to keep a high tempo with the ball in hand. Very different styles but both very good to watch, and both have some very good youngsters coming through.
I find rugby is a game where it's much more acceptable to be a fan of the sport rather than a fan of a team so I'll happily watch a game without really caring who wins. The exceptions are: I default to wanting the welsh and irish sides to lose and I really don't like Leicester, as well as always backing saints and gloucs (saints always take priority when they meet though).
I'd have thought my calls for Dickson and Wood on the 6N thread would've given my allegiances away.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on March 14, 2012, 01:03:14 PM
I find rugby is a game where it's much more acceptable to be a fan of the sport rather than a fan of a team so I'll happily watch a game without really caring who wins. The exceptions are: I default to wanting the welsh and irish sides to lose and I really don't like Leicester, as well as always backing saints and gloucs (saints always take priority when they meet though).
That's pretty much how I feel as well. I, like you, love watching Gloucester and Saints play because they are entertaining. Come Heineken Cup time I will be supporting all English teams against anyone, in direct contrast to Football's Champions League and also anyone who plays against Munster. They have got a little better in recent years, but has there ever been a more mind numbingly boring, turgid team to win trophies?. And as for the love in that inevitably occurs on Sky when they are playing, led by Paul Wallace, it's nauseating in the extreme.
I guess my Rugby team is England really and I watch all Premiership Rugby with an eye to players who are coming through and who are internationals. I'm a member of the England Rugby Supporters Club, so that I guess is my team !!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on March 16, 2012, 11:23:15 AM
I've put notice of this in the Deathwatch Thread, but I need to comment here in order to give full respect to the late, great Mervyn "Merv the Swerve" Davies who died yesterday at age 65.
One of my Rugby heroes as a kid
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16439582
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on March 16, 2012, 11:48:57 AM
I've put notice of this in the Deathwatch Thread, but I need to comment here in order to give full respect to the late, great Mervyn "Merv the Swerve" Davies who died yesterday at age 65.
One of my Rugby heroes as a kid
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16439582
Very sad news, read it earlier. A true Rugby giant, a great player and a fine ambassador for his game and country.
I guess it would be fitting for Wales to lift the Grand Slam with a wonderful display of Rugby, as a tribute to him.
RIP "Merve the Swerve"
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on March 20, 2012, 01:30:34 PM
I see Danny Cipriani is returning to English Rugby with Sale oop North.
I'm glad he is back as I think he is a massive talent who was grossly mismanaged by Martin Johnson at International level. It seemed to me that he paid for having the temerity to have Kelly Brook as his partner, which obviously led to numerous photos from the Papparazi. He didn't help himself, that is true, but I also think Johnson owed him a little bit longer than the three starts he gave him, especially when they occured just after he came back from that horrendous injury he suffered in April 08.
Anyway, can only be good news that he is back and we will have a shoot out between Farrell, Ford, Flood, Cipriani and Burns for the England number 10 shirt. Talk about strength in depth. I will look forward to maybe watching him next year at Kingsholm, presuming that Cheltenham Lion pulls his finger out and organises this day out at Kingsholm he has been on about :-)
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 20, 2012, 02:29:14 PM
There is very good depth at fly-half. Cipriani is a hell of a talent, we'll see if his attitude has changed. I actually see him as a potential centre in the future.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on March 21, 2012, 10:31:08 AM
Indeed, if Cipriani can get to a point where it's all about the rugby he's young enough to still have a very very good career.
We do appear to be blessed with a whole host of great 10s at the minute, which makes the decision to keep Hodgson in the squad all the more perplexing. Personally I'd go with Farrell starting and Burns on the bench at the minute. Farrell is solid defensively and is a reliable boot but he hasn't got the confidence with ball in hand to get the backs flowing. Burns is the opposite, he's got great confidence with ball in hand but his nerves get to him when he's kicking. The advantage would be that you have Farrell against the fresh legs kicking anything that's on offer and playing territory and then if you need tries later on you bring on Burns (and probably replace Barritt as well) and start picking holes and throwing the ball out wide.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on March 21, 2012, 11:38:40 AM
This is the next point of order for the new coach.
We have got ourselves a decent pack, which will only get better with more experience. We have a lot of back up in the forwards, Marler, Webber, Doran-Jones, Lawes, Attwood, Wood, Waldrom, Saull is not bad as a second pack is it and that's just off the top of my head. We have proven we can grind out wins and we have proven that we have a good defence. Now, can we develop our attacking game and get the best out of the numerous options we have in the back three?
I may be in a minority here, I normally am, but I don't get Owen Farrell at the moment. Yes, he tackles like Jonny and kicks well, but where is the pace and invention?. It may come, but at the moment he stands too deep and his distribution and speed of thought, are not up to an international fly half in my view.
As things stand, for the South Africa tests, I would be picking Youngs and Flood and maybe moving Tuilagi to number 12 and bringing in Joseph from Irish at outside centre. Back three would be Ashton, Foden and Sharples to start.
As back up on this trip, I would like to see Farrell, Burns, May, Barritt, Care, Wade (if fit), Brown all go.
It's exciting times if we can harness it all together.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on March 22, 2012, 06:56:40 AM
This is the next point of order for the new coach.
We have got ourselves a decent pack, which will only get better with more experience. We have a lot of back up in the forwards, Marler, Webber, Doran-Jones, Lawes, Attwood, Wood, Waldrom, Saull is not bad as a second pack is it and that's just off the top of my head. We have proven we can grind out wins and we have proven that we have a good defence. Now, can we develop our attacking game and get the best out of the numerous options we have in the back three?
I may be in a minority here, I normally am, but I don't get Owen Farrell at the moment. Yes, he tackles like Jonny and kicks well, but where is the pace and invention?. It may come, but at the moment he stands too deep and his distribution and speed of thought, are not up to an international fly half in my view.
As things stand, for the South Africa tests, I would be picking Youngs and Flood and maybe moving Tuilagi to number 12 and bringing in Joseph from Irish at outside centre. Back three would be Ashton, Foden and Sharples to start.
As back up on this trip, I would like to see Farrell, Burns, May, Barritt, Care, Wade (if fit), Brown all go.
It's exciting times if we can harness it all together.
I completely agree with you on Farrell. He's a very good kicker and tackles well but he's not a game breaker. As said, I'd use him in tandem with Burns in the big games, with Farrell starting and playing the territory and building a platform, then bringing in Burns later in the game to be the creative influence against tiring backs.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 23, 2012, 01:30:14 PM
It occurs to me that the longer that the appointment of the England manager drags the worse it is for Lancaster, it's like the RFU trying to distance the Six Nations from people's memories so they don't get a backlash if they don't hire him. I think he deserves a chance.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on March 23, 2012, 02:29:04 PM
In all honesty I'm firmly on the fence between Mallett and Lancaster. I have small reservations about both but nothing that would make me upset if the get the job. I'd love to work something out where they can both be involved if I'm honest.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on March 24, 2012, 07:45:41 PM
To follow up the cipriani talk on here, he scored a great break away try this weekend.
It's his second of the season down in oz, the first shows why he gets talked about as highly as he does...
The way he gets by the winger and fullback without them ever getting a chance to make a tackle is pure class, you can't teach that.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 25, 2012, 02:33:39 AM
He's a massive talent, if he can have the right frame of mind he cannot be ignored in the England reckoning.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on March 25, 2012, 01:47:21 PM
We lost at home again to fucking Exeter. Dean Ryan got the push for being twice as good as we have this season.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on March 25, 2012, 06:59:56 PM
To follow up the cipriani talk on here, he scored a great break away try this weekend.
It's his second of the season down in oz, the first shows why he gets talked about as highly as he does...
The way he gets by the winger and fullback without them ever getting a chance to make a tackle is pure class, you can't teach that.
A great try agreed and one that no other English 10 could dream of scoring. Slight problem in the fact that it was scored last season and not the weekend just gone. He completely messed up behind his try line in the same game and gifted the Sharks a score, so a bit of the curates egg type of performance.
Cheltenham Lion : Can't believe Glaws lost at home to Exeter, which has all but wiped out the chance of top 4. They need to concentrate on finishing in the top 6 for Heineken Cup now I think.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on March 25, 2012, 09:48:42 PM
I did say this weekend was his 2nd try and that was the first
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on March 26, 2012, 10:23:28 AM
I did say this weekend was his 2nd try and that was the first
Oops. Apologies Paul, I really must try and read other posts properly before commenting on them.
I blame the fact I ran the Sport Relief mile yesterday without any headgear and the sun had a negative effect on my thinking.
Actually, I'm probably plain stupid :D
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on March 26, 2012, 02:09:23 PM
Nah don't worry, I did use a spurious link to post a video of a fantastic try.
From this weekend... how good was saints third try, great play from diggin to work it wide and then ashton in particular did magnificently to make the space out wide and then offload having drawn 2 men, then really good hands from dickson to put in foden for a classy finish. It's play like that which shows why foden and ashton will always be in the england squad and why Dickson should rightfully cement his place in squad as well.
Paul Doran-Jones was excellent when he came on as well. We're getting to a point where we have really good front row options for england now, with nick wood, doran-jones, maller, and a few oth3ers all closing up fast on the guys in the squad, a backup hooker would be useful as hartley is miles ahead of anyone else but Tom Youngs looked good the other week when he came on for tigers against saints (was badly let down by his props in the scrum though).
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on March 26, 2012, 07:53:25 PM
Does anyone know where the highlights can be found online?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on March 27, 2012, 09:00:19 AM
Thank you. It works for the french stuff but the Prem appears blocked outside the UK. Shame.
Found this though... http://www.premiershiprugby.tv/Home You can watch whole matches if you're prepared to pay.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on March 29, 2012, 10:43:23 AM
Appears Lancaster is to get the job full time today. Congratulations to him and lets hope he can build on the 6 Nations.
I'm not entirely sure that it is the right appointment, but then again if they had picked Mallett, I wouldn't have been sure either. The 6 Nations really put me on the fence.
I hope he can get the coaching team that he wants and can secure Farrell from Sarries. We also need an attack coach and as Wayne Smith has said he is interested, there's yer man.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on March 29, 2012, 11:28:30 AM
Appears Lancaster is to get the job full time today. Congratulations to him and lets hope he can build on the 6 Nations.
I'm not entirely sure that it is the right appointment, but then again if they had picked Mallett, I wouldn't have been sure either. The 6 Nations really put me on the fence.
I hope he can get the coaching team that he wants and can secure Farrell from Sarries. We also need an attack coach and as Wayne Smith has said he is interested, there's yer man.
Agreed, same coaching team with Smith Added to make us a bit more dynamic would be superb. As with yourself I am totally on fence about the appointment, I think Lancaster will do well but the farrell, barritt, tuilagi combo just makes me a little cautious, I'd really like to see someone a bit more creative in the 10 or 12 role, even if only as an option from the bench. I'll also be very very disappointed if Hodgson goes on the summer tour.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 29, 2012, 11:29:42 AM
Good luck to him, he deserves his chance.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on March 30, 2012, 01:14:12 PM
Saw his press conference and also his appearance on the Rugby club last night.
Was amusing, that Stuart Barnes who has been one of the most vociferous critics of him being appointed was sat next to him and barely muttered a word, just a stupid question about conspiracy theories and do we need more creativity in midfield?. No shit sherlock, everyone knows that we need more creativity, Lancaster probably more than most. I guess if things go a little awry in South Africa, then Barnes will be leading the criticism when the coach isn't within ear shot. Together with Stephen Jones in the Sunday Times no doubt.
Anyway, I was quietly impressed with him and if dedication, hard work, honesty and passion have anything to do with it, then he will be successful. As we have said before, we need to move on and find more creativity and score more tries, but I'm sure he knows that anyway. What is impressive is that last week in a presentation he apparently had lists of England players position by position with the first choice followed by the understudies and not just one understudy either. He obviously likes bringing young players through, so I would hope the likes of Burns, Sharples, May, Wade, Joseph etc will be getting looked at fairly soon.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 30, 2012, 01:26:04 PM
I agree with you on Barnes, he just looked like he was in a strop. I'm sure Lancaster appreciates more creativity is required, but the Six Nations was all about building foundations and from the noticeable improvement in each game he clearly showed that he knew what he's doing. The creativity will come in time, and as he's said he wants the players to have freedom to express themselves. He does come across as a very impressive and thoughtful person. Wade looks like an absolute cracker of a player to me as well.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on March 30, 2012, 04:08:11 PM
To move away from Lancaster....
I'd love to know what Callum Clark's defence said to keep it down to 32weeks, was expecting at least a year for him. Horrible injury and look totally intentional, there must be a mitigating factor that hasn't been reported.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on March 31, 2012, 07:18:58 AM
As a Gloucester fan, I have long held the view that Stuart Barnes is an absolute cock socket.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on April 01, 2012, 11:35:19 AM
Albeit Barnes does now seem to have a soft spot for Glos.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on April 02, 2012, 03:40:17 PM
Gavin Henson sacked by Cardiff Blues with immediate effect.
What an absolute tool that bloke is. Massively overrated by the Welsh loving media as well. A player who apart from one tackle, which Mathew Tait recycled the ball by the way and one long kick in the same game, has achieved the square root of zero with his career.
Great tan though !!!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 02, 2012, 05:18:58 PM
He did get to throw one up Charlotte Church though.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on April 02, 2012, 07:31:41 PM
Henson is about the most overrated player I've ever seen, carried ok, tackled ok, kicked ok, passed ok but wasn't great at any aspect and yet some how managed to be regarded as one of the best players in the world (remember seeing people compare him to BOD at one point).
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Rotterdam on April 02, 2012, 07:46:43 PM
What talent he has/had, he has wasted. Berk.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on April 03, 2012, 12:02:13 AM
I suspect there's more to Henson's "off the field issues" than we are currently aware.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on April 03, 2012, 12:05:48 AM
He did get to throw one up Charlotte Church though.
beautifully put!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on April 05, 2012, 08:42:00 AM
By the way, after much pissing about, Shed tickets now booked for Newcastle at home.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on April 05, 2012, 09:04:03 PM
I dare Redpath to lose that one!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on April 07, 2012, 08:15:55 PM
So Edinburgh beat Toulouse, unbelievable. More predictably Leinster go through at home.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on April 07, 2012, 09:21:49 PM
Toulouse have been on the way down all season, they're a shadow of the team they were, comparitively poor in the lineout and the scrum which makes it hard to get any platform. Pretty old side as well.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on April 10, 2012, 02:00:55 PM
but still able to be top of their league, the strongest domestic league in Europe.
Anyway Stand up for the Ulstermen - take that Sky and your Munster love-in.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on April 10, 2012, 09:32:15 PM
but still able to be top of their league, the strongest domestic league in Europe.
Anyway Stand up for the Ulstermen - take that Sky and your Munster love-in.
I disagree, I think the english league is stronger, there's only really Newcastle that aren't capable of beating anyone. Wasps have been weakened by the off field stuff all season and Worcester struggle to score tries but both are solid packs and can easily give everyone a tough game.
In France you have 3-4 very good sides at the top of the league and then nothing special below that. The english sides have been pretty poor in europe this season but I don't think our performances this season have been indicative of the strength of the league. I think englands performances (and the fact that lots of players have a genuine case to be upset they weren't included) in the 6N are a better indicator.
Back to Toulouse, they're still a good side but they aren't a dominant pack anymore they've been successful for a long time on the back of a front 5 that could march through anyone and a lineout which never lost ball on their own throw and stole a fair percent of opposition ball. They've moved away from that to a more free flowing side in the last couple of years but they're just not up to it yet.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 12, 2012, 12:50:42 PM
Farrell turns down coaching role with England. It'll be interesting to see who they go for now, I'd like to see Wayne Smith.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on April 12, 2012, 07:41:04 PM
Farrell turns down coaching role with England. It'll be interesting to see who they go for now, I'd like to see Wayne Smith.
Smith will be a great choice as the attack coach but we still need a defence coach. Edwards is the obvious one but the welsh got there first, I'd probably look for a league man though, they tend to make great defensive coaches.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on April 12, 2012, 08:24:20 PM
Dennis Betts.
Who is there Saturday by the way for the Newcastle relegation? We should grab a pint together.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on April 14, 2012, 09:40:33 PM
******* ****
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on April 14, 2012, 10:28:12 PM
The rumours are Redpath is going to Sale in the summer, I guess a few on here won't be too upset.
As an aside, watched quins vs wasps today. Christian Wade scored a great try and made a break in the buildup for their second that probably no one else in the league would've been able to do. On top of pace, acceleration and a great change of direction he's also a tank, the amount of times he powers through tackles is amazing (for a strip of a winger). He has to go to South Africa in the summer, he's too big a talent to not at least have him away with the squad. Billy Vunipola came on at 8 as well, he's another young wasp who has a big big future, was bouncing through some very good players like they were tackle bags.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on April 16, 2012, 01:18:44 PM
The rumours are Redpath is going to Sale in the summer, I guess a few on here won't be too upset.
As an aside, watched quins vs wasps today. Christian Wade scored a great try and made a break in the buildup for their second that probably no one else in the league would've been able to do. On top of pace, acceleration and a great change of direction he's also a tank, the amount of times he powers through tackles is amazing (for a strip of a winger). He has to go to South Africa in the summer, he's too big a talent to not at least have him away with the squad. Billy Vunipola came on at 8 as well, he's another young wasp who has a big big future, was bouncing through some very good players like they were tackle bags.
What the hell happened on Saturday then Cheltenham?. It's made the match vs Sale a shoot out for the last spot in the Heineken hasn't it?.
In terms of Christian Wade, I see that Stuart Barnes has now transferred his allegiance from Sinbad to Wade to be picked by England. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing going on the career that Sinbad has had with England.
We are taking a squad of 40 to South Africa in the summer and you would like to think that Wade, Jonny May and Sharples will all be ahead of the waste of space that is Strettle wouldn't you?. I'm wondering whether they will try out Foden on the wing and put in Mike Brown at full back as well?. Personally I don't think Brown has the "gas" for International Rugby, but he has had a hell of a season. I would like to see Alex Goode picked ahead of him or the lad at Sale, Rob Miller, who looks a great prospect too.
I bet Wayne Smith is licking his lips at the prospect of working with this array of talent, presuming the RFU and Lancaster get hold of him and sign him up?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on April 16, 2012, 05:53:52 PM
The rumours are Redpath is going to Sale in the summer, I guess a few on here won't be too upset.
As an aside, watched quins vs wasps today. Christian Wade scored a great try and made a break in the buildup for their second that probably no one else in the league would've been able to do. On top of pace, acceleration and a great change of direction he's also a tank, the amount of times he powers through tackles is amazing (for a strip of a winger). He has to go to South Africa in the summer, he's too big a talent to not at least have him away with the squad. Billy Vunipola came on at 8 as well, he's another young wasp who has a big big future, was bouncing through some very good players like they were tackle bags.
What the hell happened on Saturday then Cheltenham?. It's made the match vs Sale a shoot out for the last spot in the Heineken hasn't it?.
In terms of Christian Wade, I see that Stuart Barnes has now transferred his allegiance from Sinbad to Wade to be picked by England. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing going on the career that Sinbad has had with England.
We are taking a squad of 40 to South Africa in the summer and you would like to think that Wade, Jonny May and Sharples will all be ahead of the waste of space that is Strettle wouldn't you?. I'm wondering whether they will try out Foden on the wing and put in Mike Brown at full back as well?. Personally I don't think Brown has the "gas" for International Rugby, but he has had a hell of a season. I would like to see Alex Goode picked ahead of him or the lad at Sale, Rob Miller, who looks a great prospect too.
I bet Wayne Smith is licking his lips at the prospect of working with this array of talent, presuming the RFU and Lancaster get hold of him and sign him up?
If he could stay fit my backup fullback would be olly morgan without doubt. The problem with every other high profile fullback in the league is that they're a bit iffy under the high ball, even Foden suffers from this at times but he's a lot more reliable than most.
Wade has got to go to SA. To have scored tries like he has in a poor side in his first season as a regular is impressive, but even more impressive is the defensive qualities he has, quick tricky wingers often come through but have to be protected defensively, Wade doesn't in the slightest, he tackles well, is happy to join the rough stuff on the floor and is very good positionally as well, for his age.
In a squad of 40 for me 7-8 of them would be picks for the future, with the intention of them getting maybe a 10min cameo at most.
Christian Wade Matt Kvesic George Ford Tom Youngs
All fit that category and are likely to be big players for us in a few years, I'd be tempted to take along Anthony Watson as well, despite him being so young he looks like the next big thing in rugby (worldwide) and getting him around players like Foden and Ashton will do him a world of good.
If you have no idea who Anthony Watson is watch out for him (have a look on youtube), he's the best young player I've ever seen and has everything to be a superstar. He was phenomenal in the U20 6N this season.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on April 17, 2012, 02:59:28 PM
Is he the lad who scored in the first few mins in the Ireland match?
Absolutely no idea who he plays for or his position. Embarrassing !!!!
I see Redpath has now gone then. Who do the Glaws boys fancy as the new coach?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on April 18, 2012, 10:05:06 AM
They were shocking on Saturday. They turned up in sombrero's and surf shorts thinking they didn't have to put any effort in to win.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 20, 2012, 07:06:22 PM
I see Lancaster has flown out to try and convince Wayne Smith to be our attack coach. That'd be great.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on April 20, 2012, 08:24:35 PM
I see Lancaster has flown out to try and convince Wayne Smith to be our attack coach. That'd be great.
Thumbs up from me, just need to sort a top class defence coach then.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 26, 2012, 01:49:49 PM
So Mike Catt is going to be temporary backs coach for the tour of South Africa. Wayne Smith is expected to make a decision on whether to join the staff permanently in September within the next 24 hours.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on April 26, 2012, 04:41:48 PM
So Mike Catt is going to be temporary backs coach for the tour of South Africa. Wayne Smith is expected to make a decision on whether to join the staff permanently in September within the next 24 hours.
Lets hope he says yes then. I have a horrible feeling that he will turn it down for some reason. I do wish the RFU were as good as the WRU in getting the people they want. It's hardly a bad place to ply your trade is it?. Very impressed with the way the WRU after the World Cup in 2007 just went out and got Gatland and Edwards with no messing. We could learn a thing or two from then.
Fingers crossed anyhow
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 26, 2012, 05:28:56 PM
Fingers crossed as well, but I have a similar feeling.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on May 01, 2012, 01:25:02 PM
Well as I guessed, Wayne Smith has turned England down for family reasons. Have a feeling if Mallett had got the job then he would have been in situ by now. Lancaster said last week on Radio that he was the stand out candidate and therefore whoever he picks is by definition going to feel as though he isn't rated.
Further news has been tweeted that Croft is out of the tour to South Africa and with Wood missing, not sure who will play Number 6 now, possibly Dowson?
And to put the tin hat on a great morning for English rugby, Mike Catt is going as Farrell's replacement. Actually, that's a bit unfair on Catt I guess, we will see what he is like.
Weather sums up my mood regarding this now, dismal :-(
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 01, 2012, 02:14:42 PM
Well as I guessed, Wayne Smith has turned England down for family reasons. Have a feeling if Mallett had got the job then he would have been in situ by now. Lancaster said last week on Radio that he was the stand out candidate and therefore whoever he picks is by definition going to feel as though he isn't rated.
Further news has been tweeted that Croft is out of the tour to South Africa and with Wood missing, not sure who will play Number 6 now, possibly Dowson?
And to put the tin hat on a great morning for English rugby, Mike Catt is going as Farrell's replacement. Actually, that's a bit unfair on Catt I guess, we will see what he is like.
Weather sums up my mood regarding this now, dismal :-(
Gutted by this, he'd have been perfect. Really need to find an attack coach who concentrates on something other than kicking for territory. We have too many fantastic young backs in this country to play 10 man, kick to the corners, rugby, unfortunately, whilst Catt will do a good job of getting us organised defensively I doubt he'll get us playing exciting free flowing rugby.
The silver lining is that I wanted an attack coach separate from the forwards and backs coaches that are already in place so hopefully that's something that might still happen.
As for 6, I think we're safe there, I'd guess Dowson will go but We can take along James Gaskell as a true 6 and I'd take Matt Kvesic who could play 7 and push Robshaw to 6 (where I think he's better suited unfortunately). Stefon Armitage is looking excellent for Toulon as well so he could easily go as a specialist 7, again freeing robshaw to cover 6. James Scaysbrook and Tom Johnson have both been excellent for Exeter but are probably a bit too old to be just starting their international careers. If we want experienced players they're good options though, and are bang on form.
I just wish we'd seen a little more of a couple of the youngsters to justify them going. Billy Vunipola at wasps would be my choice for cover at 8 but he's probably short of game time, he's going to be excellent though.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 01, 2012, 02:41:50 PM
Disappointed but onwards and upwards. I do think Lancaster should be looking at Cipriani instead of Hodgson.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on May 01, 2012, 03:44:40 PM
Disappointed but onwards and upwards. I do think Lancaster should be looking at Cipriani instead of Hodgson.
No bigger fan of Cipriani than me, but he shouldn't be anywhere near the squad at the moment. Flood (who should be starting at 10 for me) with Burns as back up number 10. Farrell can go as the inside centre, but even then I would be picking Tuilagi there and someone like Joseph or Lowe at outside.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on May 01, 2012, 08:29:27 PM
Smegging hell, I've only just noticed this lookalikey
What's the word on the street about a new gaffer for Gloucester then? Have been too busy to keep in touch with it all of late.
Sean Holley I have read somewhere, ex of Ospreys. Glaws had a really poor end to the season and need someone in to shake it up.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on May 09, 2012, 12:45:05 PM
Or John Brain (ex of Wuss)
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on May 10, 2012, 01:28:52 PM
Forwards (23): Mouritz Botha (Saracens), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Alex Corbisiero (London Irish), Paul Doran Jones (Northampton Saints), Phil Dowson (Northampton Saints), Carl Fearns (Bath Rugby), Joe Gray (Harlequins), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), James Haskell (Otago Highlanders), Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs), Graham Kitchener (Leicester Tigers), Joe Launchbury (London Wasps), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Lee Mears (Bath Rugby), Ben Morgan (Scarlets), Matt Mullan (Worcester Warriors), Tom Palmer (Stade Francais), Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers), Chris Robshaw (capt, Harlequins), George Robson (Harlequins), Matt Stevens (Saracens), Thomas Waldrom (Leicester Tigers), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
Backs (19): Anthony Allen (Leicester Tigers), Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins) Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers), Ben Foden (Northampton Saints), Alex Goode (Saracens), Charlie Hodgson (Saracens), Jonathan Joseph (London Irish), George Lowe (Harlequins), Ugo Monye (Harlequins), David Strettle (Saracens), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Jordan Turner-Hall (Harlequins), Christian Wade (London Wasps), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).
Very large squad that for the tour to South Africa, but at first glance appears quite exciting. Very disappointed that Jonny May hasn't made the cut, I would be taking him ahead of both Strettle and Monye. Mind I'd take David Duckham at 60 odd above Strettle.
The one aspect that has stood out though and I guess will get some attention on here, is that there isn't one Gloucester player in the party?. I know Ben Morgan is joining next year, but that doesn't count yet. That's a sad indictment of what has happened there in the last few weeks. I know Sharples is out, but I thought May, Sinbad, Burns may have had a look in?.
Team for 1st test, presuming everyone fit and available :
Corbs Hartley Cole
Botha Parling
Haskell Robshaw Morgan
Youngs Flood
Barritt Tuilagi
Wade Ashton
Foden
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 10, 2012, 01:51:23 PM
Happy to see that Wade has been included in the squad, I think he's going to be a top player.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 10, 2012, 09:19:54 PM
Happy to see that Wade has been included in the squad, I think he's going to be a top player.
Wade, Kitchener, Launchbury and Joseph are all really exciting choices, Feel sorry for May and Burns but I think Glaws poor form has ruled them out.
Joseph is my dark horse for the tour, I think he's got the ability to force his way in and make himself a key part of the side, he's been awesome for a pretty weak Irish side all season.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on May 12, 2012, 09:16:56 PM
Bloody Leicester in the final again.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 13, 2012, 12:03:35 PM
You could say that about either Leicester or Saracens.
Glad they beat sarries though, there's something deeply unlike-able about that club at the minute.
I agree totally, it disappoints me to see them both being so successful and hence an england squad full of their players. They're both solid professional sides but neither does anything to suggest a golden dawn for english rugby. I just think so long as sides like that exist in the English leagues we'll always struggle to move on as a nation.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on May 22, 2012, 01:56:40 AM
A shortlist of four it appears.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on May 24, 2012, 02:21:02 PM
A great article in the Telegraph today highlighting the hypocrisy of Premier Rugby and the RFU regarding their denial of promotion to London Welsh and Cornish Pirates.
Suspect the RFU are keen to have mor than just sale north of Leicester.
Rob Andrew used to piss me off when he was in charge at Newcastle. He advocated for a no promotion/relegation system, conveniently forgetting that if not for the existing system, Gosforth ('cause that's who they are really) would never have been at that level in the first place.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on May 25, 2012, 12:52:33 PM
England: 15 Ben Foden (Northampton Saints), 14 Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints), 13 Brad Barritt (Saracens), 12 Owen Farrell (Saracens), 11 Christian Wade (London Wasps), 10 Charlie Hodgson (Saracens), 9 Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints), 1 Matt Stevens (Saracens), 2 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), 3 Paul Doran Jones (Northampton Saints), 4 Mouritz Botha (Saracens), 5 Tom Palmer (Stade Francais), 6 Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs), 7 Carl Fearns (Bath), 8 Phil Dowson (capt, Northampton Saints) Replacements: 16 Lee Mears (Bath), 17 Matt Mullan (Worcester Warriors), 18 Joe Launchbury (London Wasps), 19 Jamie Gibson (London Irish), 20 Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), 21 Jonathan Joseph (London Irish), 22 Alex Goode (Saracens)
For the Baa Baas game on Sunday. Chuffed to bits Wade is in and I think, as Strettle hasn't been picked and is available, this gives him a massive opportunity to impress before the tour.
However, we are back to the midfield trio of the first two Six Nations matches, played in bad conditions admittedly and will he get the ball?. If I was being picky, I would have liked Farrell at 10 and Barritt and Joseph in the centres.
Be interested to see how the two flankers go, as I don't know a fat lot about them.
Finally, a question to all the Rugby lovers on here. I have been involved in a twitter debate with a Sunday times journo this morning on the relative merits of "Shane" (why do the Welsh insist on referring to their players by Christian names only?) and Jason Robinson. Thoughts?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 27, 2012, 04:53:05 PM
Dave - Billy Whizz was light years ahead of 'shane'. Ball in hand with broken field to attack there's nothing between them, they're the best the northern hemisphere has ever produced at that (but a couple of the england youngsters will outstrip them both in the next 4-5 years). They were both great in the tackle too. However Robinson's ability to join the forwards in the rucks and mauls, his offloading and passing game and, most importantly, his awareness of the game are all far and away ahead of the little welsh man.
Tom Johnson looked very good in the back row, Dowson played great at 8 (see what I did there) and Ashton is clearly back to his very best. More importantly Wade and Joseph looked totally at home, Joseph in particular brings something special and is one of the guys I was talking about above.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on May 27, 2012, 04:57:00 PM
I know they won but I look at that front row and find it hard to understand how Nick Wood isn't in it.
Or May. Or Sinbad. Or Sharples. Or Burns in the backs.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 27, 2012, 06:19:50 PM
I know they won but I look at that front row and find it hard to understand how Nick Wood isn't in it.
Or May. Or Sinbad. Or Sharples. Or Burns in the backs.
They've been screwed by gloucester being a shambles since March, Sinbad will never be picked, too many injuries when he gets selected have marked him as one to avoid, unfortunately, but the rest would all have been in with a great chance (and trinder if he was fit) but it's hard to argue they've been playing well when the stats are stacked so heavily against the club.
Barritt for example has played poorly for sarries in the last month or 2 but is still in because he was still part of a winning side, which makes it easier to justify giving him a place, if they'd picked 5-6 glaws players the rfu (rightly) would be asking why he was picking players who clearly weren't performing at club level. Both sides of the argument are naive but it's easier to ignore common sense in the way lancaster has chosen to.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 28, 2012, 10:43:25 AM
I like Wade I think he's going to be a top player.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on May 28, 2012, 01:25:55 PM
I like Wade I think he's going to be a top player.
So do I
However, having watched the game yesterday, it's no use having the likes of him, Ashton, Foden, Goode, Sinbad, Sharples, May, Monye or whoever in the back three. The 10,12, 13 axis with these bloody Sarries players JUST AIN'T GOOD ENOUGH. I except that they defend well and Farrell kicks his goals, but the passing is frankly appalling for top class internationals and the ability to fix a man and pass by Farrell yesterday was embarrassing. I know it won't happen, but I would be taking him out of the firing line and get him to learn the basics of running an attacking backline before he plays for England again.
Joseph, Wade and Goode were a breath of fresh air when they came on and I would be starting both Joseph and Wade in the first test. I guess that won't happen though.
Forwards, apart from at scrum time on a few occasions, didn't do too badly. Botha impresses me more and more and the run from Palmer in the first half was outstanding. The big plus for me was Tom Johnson, don't know much about him but I thought he played very well.
With a fantastic final on Saturday and the likes of Marler, Cole, Parling, Robshaw, Morgan, Care, Flood, Tuilagi? etc to come back, we do have some choices don't we. I maintain though, we need to get 10,12,13 right otherwise we aren't going anywhere.
I would be looking along the lines of the following for the 1st test :
Marler Hartley Cole Botha Parling Johnson Robshaw Morgan
Care Flood Wade Tuilagi Joseph Ashton Foden
Bench :
Stevens (as he plays both sides) Gray Palmer Dowson Youngs Hodgson Goode
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 28, 2012, 02:25:21 PM
Farrell does need some work on his attacking running and judgement. I'm pretty sure he can be coached on it, but it does need work.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on May 28, 2012, 03:52:23 PM
Farrell does need some work on his attacking running and judgement. I'm pretty sure he can be coached on it, but it does need work.
How embarrassing that an England number 10 should have to be coached on that. We are falling into the "Jonny" syndrome with this fella I feel. Because he can kick goals and tackle well, everyone thinks he is a "great". He is far from it and I would be picking Flood, Burns, Ford, Cipriani all ahead of him. Cipriani got pilloried for what he couldn't bring to the table, i.e his tackling was weak, but Farrell and Jonny, despite neither of them being the greatest attacking threat and being as poor at attacking as Cipriani is at defending, don't get the same treatment by "Twickenham man".
Sorry, really got a bee in my bonnet about this. Hopefully Farrell will shove it straight down my throat in Durban in 2 weeks time.
And I am probably fed up with the wait for a manager too :-)
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on May 28, 2012, 09:01:59 PM
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 01, 2012, 11:44:35 AM
Andy Farrell has quit at Saracens, I wonder what the chances of him turning up on the England staff are now.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 01, 2012, 04:12:47 PM
I agree totally with Dave.
1 of Farrell, Barritt and Manu I'm ok with but the 3 together are the main reason why ashton looked poor in the 6N.
As it stands I'd stick with Farrell starting but I'd play Burns and Joseph and I'd have Burns 10 with Farrell outside him. Burns is quality with the ball and is being held back because he's not the best kicker (although his tactical kicking is good enough generally). Cipriani will, I think, get a shot once he's been back in england for a few months as he's a special talent, but like Matthew Tait he was thrown in too early and then made accountable for mistakes that others have been allowed to get away with.
The problem with the RFU is that too many of them grew up with amateur rugby played in a swamp where a 10 who kicked for territory and joined the forwards well was an asset (Rob Andrew being a great example). The game has progressed since then so we need to be willing to risk the odd error in the hope of getting the creativity to make up for it.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 05, 2012, 12:24:58 PM
Well done Scotland!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: danlanza on June 05, 2012, 12:26:02 PM
6-9 last kick of the game,in conditions that can only be described as 'wet and windy'.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: danlanza on June 05, 2012, 12:31:55 PM
Great stuff. I love it when anybody puts one up the Aussies. Cricket soon!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: stuart r on June 05, 2012, 02:32:10 PM
Unfortunate incident during the Scots celebrations:
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on June 07, 2012, 08:49:39 AM
Not sure what to make of the new appointment at Glaws. Let's hope he gets them playing some decent stuff. The signings have been promising if nothing else.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on June 07, 2012, 12:42:29 PM
Not sure what to make of the new appointment at Glaws. Let's hope he gets them playing some decent stuff. The signings have been promising if nothing else.
Nigel Davies?. He will be great for you CL. Scarlets play the best rugby in Wales and the style closest to Glaws. I would be feeling very optimistic for next year if I were you?
Seen that England have moved Foden to wing and brought in Brown at F/B. Not sure about Foden on the wing to be honest, would like to have seen Wade. Pleased Marler and Johnson are in though.
What price Wales and England away win double this Saturday?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on June 08, 2012, 09:06:49 AM
Don't get me wrong, the Scarlets play some decent stuff. I guess my concerns would be that he hasn't worked for anyone else.
To be truthful I have had something of a downer on everything Glaws related since they lost to Newcastle.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 09, 2012, 04:06:46 PM
Youngs' box kicks really are poor.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 09, 2012, 07:06:19 PM
Flood very predictable again, ball in hand, in a good position, kicks it away, that has to be cut out.
Habana looked like we gave him a good working over, they looked tired at the end but they haven't played together for 7 months, England need intensity in Jo'Burg next week.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 09, 2012, 07:18:10 PM
I think we did alright to be honest and just lacked a bit of physicality. As I said before this tour it's more about progression than results, and they've done ok.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: richard moore on June 09, 2012, 07:36:35 PM
Aren't they just that, I really don't rate him at all. Physicality and intensity did for us plus a lack of creativity which is still there in the midfield but it was closer than I thought and there were some positive signs and performances. This is where you measure yourself, not in the Six Nations
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on June 09, 2012, 08:27:30 PM
Flood very predictable again, ball in hand, in a good position, kicks it away, that has to be cut out.
Habana looked like we gave him a good working over, they looked tired at the end but they haven't played together for 7 months, England need intensity in Jo'Burg next week.
Flood?. Are you sure?. He didn't kick anything away from what I saw and in my view produced more in the last 5 mins when we had some decent attacking ball than Farrell did all game.
Disappointed with the outcome as I really fancied us today. We were just totally battered physically by the Boks though, especially in the first 20 mins of the second half. I was at the last game at Twickenham, in the Autumn that we beat the Aussies and they did the same to us then and very similar today.
There were a few plus points though, I thought Johnson and Robshaw were outstanding. I very much doubted whether Robshaw had it at the highest level, but he has proved me wrong. Thought Parling was decent and Marler will have learnt a lot from his first cap. Morgan roamed effectively until he ran out of puff. Brown made a good return and was nice to see Tuilagi run over a few Boks.
As I have said numerous times on this thread our main problem is and remains 10/12/13. I thought Barnes had it spot on about Farrell, he looks knackered and for his own good needs to be taken out of the firing line. I'm not convinced by him at all to be honest, in a creative sense that is and as soon as Flood moved to 10 we were taking it to the gain line and looking more threatening. Farrell stands 5 yds to deep for me and negates a lot of what Tuilagi could do, by standing that deep. Barritt and Tuilagi are fine defensively but as creative and passing centres are too similar and we only need one of them.
If I can defend Youngs a little, I thought his sniping around the breakdown today was back to old and although some of his speed of delivery was slow, he was getting back to where he was. Now his box kicking, his first two were crap no question, however if we take the kick for their second try, it was perfect it landed with Habana as Tuilagi got there. THE PROBLEM WAS THE LACK OF A CHASE !!. I don't think you can blame Youngs for that?. I think our problem is we have 3/4 scrum halves of a similar standard and the ones who aren't playing always look better if the one starting has an average game. That said, I would rather have all three than the numpty who plays for Wales.
So on to next week. Same pack except I may bring in Corbs for Marler to shore the scrum up a bit. I thought the pundits were a tad unfair to Morgan, considering he hasn't played for some weeks. He will be better for the run out.
Same back three, although not a fan of Foden on the wing and it appears we are accommodating him and Brown rather than picking the best 15?.
Now the nitty gritty. My half backs and centres would be Youngs, Flood, Tuilagi and Joseph who was great in just 3 mins when he came on.
I wonder if Lancaster will try and sacrifice a bit of ballast for some creativity next week?.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 09, 2012, 08:37:37 PM
I am not going to give up on Farrell yet, he's only 20 but I agree he does need to be taken out of the firing line. I'd have Youngs, Flood, Tuilagi and Joseph next week as well.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on June 09, 2012, 08:47:31 PM
I am not going to give up on Farrell yet, he's only 20 but I agree he does need to be taken out of the firing line. I'd have Youngs, Flood, Tuilagi and Joseph next week as well.
Neither am I Paul, but as I said for his own sake he needs a rest. I do think though that George Ford will be our long term 10 and Farrell may well find he has to play as a 12. I think he needs a full season of playing 10 for Sarries before he plays there for England. At the moment he plays 12 for Sarries outside Hodgson.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 10, 2012, 09:55:49 AM
Not going to quote the lot but whilst I agree with most of what you say Dave I can't agree with Youngs. For me the fundamental problem with him is he can't pass off the floor. The 2-3 strides he takes before making a pass just takes away all the space for the 10 and 12 and make us look pedestrian. When Dickson comes in he provides much quicker ball and we look a lot more dangerous for it. At the moment the only thing Youngs has on Dickson is a yard of pace and a Leicester contract. If we do change the 10/12/13 to include Flood and Joseph it will be even more obvious that Youngs just isn't a good enough distributor to play the game we need to.
As for Foden on the wing and Brown at 15 I just don't understand it, Brown is a decent backup but nothing more, Foden is one of the best fullbacks in the world. Better to find an option on the wing that you're happy with. Wade is regarded as being suspect under the high ball so I guess they've kept him out so he isn't targeted, but knowing SA play kick and chase if you don't think he can catch why pick him for the tour? Johnny May looked superb under the high ball last year and actually caused teams to change their game plan later in the season to avoid giving him the chance to run it back, if you want to make a choice to give you safe hands and a threat carrying back he should be there.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 11, 2012, 03:18:08 PM
With Barritt out we'll see a change but I think flood 10, farrell 12 and manu 13 is what he'll go with. It's a small improvement but still doesn't account for Farrell's poor use of the ball since he broke through. Hoping for flood straight swap for farrell and then joseph in at 13 for manu to step inside.
Brown is out so I'd replace him with Wade and move Foden back to 15, i'll be really upset is Abendanon leapfrogs wade into the squad, if one was good enough to be picked and the other not then you go with the one who was picked in the first place, particularly given he's the form attacking player in the country.
I'd leave the pack unless Corbisiero is fit, in which case I'd start him ahead of Marler to strengthen the scrum, With Marler the impact option off the bench.
I think my opinion on Youngs is clear.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 11, 2012, 03:23:01 PM
I'm hoping now to see a backline of Care, Flood, Tuilagi, Joseph, Ashton, Wade and Foden. I think Farrell will come good, but he does need to be taken out of the firing line. I also like Youngs, but he's someone who has massive peaks and troughs in form.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 11, 2012, 07:18:58 PM
Genuine question what has dickson done for england to deserve to be dropped?
I'd pick Care as the option from the bench, Youngs, like Farrell, needs a bit of time to work on the basics of his position, he's a great talent but at the moment he's restricting our attack too much.
EDIT: Whoever plays 9 is only caretaking the position anyway, Dan Robson will make the breakthrough at Glaws next year and is a top talent, just as quick as Youngs, good passer from the floor or in open play, he's a good 10 as well which means he can be much more involved in the build up rather than just hanging back waiting for the breakdown.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 11, 2012, 07:32:44 PM
I'm not sure on Dickson and he had an absolute shocker against Ireland at the end of the six nations.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on June 12, 2012, 01:21:03 PM
EDIT: Whoever plays 9 is only caretaking the position anyway, Dan Robson will make the breakthrough at Glaws next year and is a top talent, just as quick as Youngs, good passer from the floor or in open play, he's a good 10 as well which means he can be much more involved in the build up rather than just hanging back waiting for the breakdown.
He's the fella who is playing 9 for the Under 20's in South Africa at the moment isn't he?. Was impressed with his sniping the other day in the first game. He plays for Glaws so he has no chance of being picked for England :-).
I know people on here aren't the greatest fan of twitter, but I am following two Rugby journos who are on tour and certainly one of them believes that Joseph will start on Saturday and I am presuming that it will alongside Tuilagi with Flood at 10. We will see anyway.
Under 20's vs the Boks tonight at 5.45pm, so let's see if we can get a bit of revenge for last Saturday?
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 12, 2012, 04:40:59 PM
EDIT: Whoever plays 9 is only caretaking the position anyway, Dan Robson will make the breakthrough at Glaws next year and is a top talent, just as quick as Youngs, good passer from the floor or in open play, he's a good 10 as well which means he can be much more involved in the build up rather than just hanging back waiting for the breakdown.
He's the fella who is playing 9 for the Under 20's in South Africa at the moment isn't he?. Was impressed with his sniping the other day in the first game. He plays for Glaws so he has no chance of being picked for England :-).
I know people on here aren't the greatest fan of twitter, but I am following two Rugby journos who are on tour and certainly one of them believes that Joseph will start on Saturday and I am presuming that it will alongside Tuilagi with Flood at 10. We will see anyway.
Under 20's vs the Boks tonight at 5.45pm, so let's see if we can get a bit of revenge for last Saturday?
That's the guy, he's got huge potential, Just as good a prospect as George Ford to me. He's got all the technical skills, is quick and looks strong enough to look after himself.
The other one to watch tonight is Billy Vunipola, he's the most powerful back row I've seen for his age, saw him flatten tonga'huia with a hand off last year.
I kinda see what you mean about glaws but I think they're going to be impossible to ignore in another year or 2, the young backs are all top drawer, and with Morgan and Twelvetrees joining they've only gotten stronger this summer. If as seems likely Nigel Davies takes over they'll really play to those strengths as well, he'll be great for Burns in particular who I think will blossom next year.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on June 12, 2012, 05:22:33 PM
[quote author=paul_e .
The other one to watch tonight is Billy Vunipola, he's the most powerful back row I've seen for his age, saw him flatten tonga'huia with a hand off last year.
[/quote]
Yes I have been keeping an eye out for him over the past couple of months since you mentioned him. I tweeted this journalist that I follow and said I thought he was good, he mentioned a weight problem. Well, he can always shift the weight, but his handling skills will always be right up there. Interestingly he is playing at 6 instead of 8, so will be good to see what he does there.
On Sky+ so will watch when I get home .
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on June 13, 2012, 09:42:43 AM
The other one to watch tonight is Billy Vunipola, he's the most powerful back row I've seen for his age, saw him flatten tonga'huia with a hand off last year.
Yes I have been keeping an eye out for him over the past couple of months since you mentioned him. I tweeted this journalist that I follow and said I thought he was good, he mentioned a weight problem. Well, he can always shift the weight, but his handling skills will always be right up there. Interestingly he is playing at 6 instead of 8, so will be good to see what he does there.
On Sky+ so will watch when I get home .
Well that was a shower of shite. Was an appalling display of ambition by our Under 20's and we deservedly got knocked out. For the first time since this tournament started we have failed to make the quarter finals. I think they got stuck in a negative mindset by just trying to make sure the Boks didn't score the 4 tries needed to get into the semi's and they blew it big time.
He took Dan Robson off midway through the second half, as well as Vunipola and replaced them with crap. Spencer from Sarries came on and by god he is the slowest scrum half at getting the ball away from the breakdown I have ever seen. They didn't trust themselves to offload the ball, always taking contact and when they did get close to the line, instead of spinning it out for the inevitable overlap, tried to bash it up. Boks loved that and negated it easily.
Feeling quite down about our Rugby at the moment, hoping that we can see some light somewhere today and on Saturday.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 13, 2012, 10:18:35 AM
Yup, yesterday was about as poor a judgement (tactically) as I've ever seen. Worst thing is, with a bit of ambition, we could've had a good lead by half time as we were totally bossing the scrum and seemed to have their number in the line as well. 2nd half display was then woeful. I was a touch worried when I saw the team, lots of kickers in the backs which suggested we were aiming for a low scoring game with us trying to keep them at arms length for the 80.
Spencer is typical of sarries, solid defensively and more than happy to keep it tight and grind out results.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 13, 2012, 02:39:13 PM
The yellow card for Haskell there is a shocking decision. Decent performance from england so far but a couple of drops in concentration so far. Trying to push it too much though, still need to do the work in the tight to create space, look like we're expecting to run through them at times.
PS I love working from home.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 14, 2012, 10:59:51 AM
15 Ben Foden (Northampton Saints) 14 Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints) 13 Jonathan Joseph (London Irish) 12 Manusamoa Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers) 11 David Strettle (Saracens) 10 Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers) 9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
1 Joe Marler (Harlequins) 2 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) 3 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers) 4 Mouritz Botha (Saracens) 5 Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers) 6 Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs) 7 Chris Robshaw (capt, Harlequins) 8 Ben Morgan (Scarlets)
Pretty pleased with that. Not a great fan of Strettle but on yesterday's showing Wade isn't ready for this tour, so no other options, wish sharples was there though.
At 9 I'll reverse everything I've been saying and suggest I'm fairly happy with Youngs as his game is better suited to having flood outside (who stands much flatter than Farrell), Youngs and Farrell don't work and I really didn't expect him to drop Farrell.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 14, 2012, 11:48:47 AM
I think Lancaster has been quite bold by bringing Flood and Joseph in, should add creativity. Also Foden back at full-back is a good move. I'm pleased Lancaster has shown he's prepared to make changes.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on June 14, 2012, 01:34:43 PM
Yup, add me to those who are happy with this team. We may not win, but at least we are showing a bit of intent to have a go at the Boks and try and score some tries. I really hope Manu and JJ go well and have a decent amount of games to try and cement a partnership. They are both 21, so injuries permitting, they could be there for some time. Flood stands nice n flat, so Manu should be getting the ball on the gainline and hopefully he can smash it up all afternoon.
Strettle I am not convinced about and speaking to my "friend" on twitter I believe that Ugo Monye would have played this weekend, but he is carrying an injury. I asked about Wade, but guessed that they wouldn't pick him because of perceived defensive issues (see Cipriani D) and that was confirmed. I guess that is a typical English trait, worry about what someone CAN'T do, rather than what he can. Sinbad suffered a little like this as well. If Wade was from Aus or NZ, I reckon they would throw him in and work with him to reduce any problems. From what I saw yesterday, his tackling was okay and he just got caught for the last try when he moved infield too much.
Anyway, exciting team and let's hope we play an expansive game and run em off their feet. We are capable !!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 14, 2012, 02:04:18 PM
I hope the Wade defensive issue doesn't hinder him long term, I want him in the side as soon as possible.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 14, 2012, 02:55:11 PM
I also think moving forward that Barrett should be second in line as a replacement behind Tuilagi.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 14, 2012, 04:25:51 PM
I also think moving forward that Barrett should be second in line as a replacement behind Tuilagi.
I'd think horses for courses with them for the time being. Manu is a bigger threat going forward but Barritt is a fantastic defensive option, against a side with a running 10 it'd be a good shout to pick Barritt and use Manu as the impact sub.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on June 14, 2012, 08:41:09 PM
Glos draw Bordeaux in the Amlin. Now THAT will be an away trip, just not on a Thursday please.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: JD on June 15, 2012, 09:24:51 AM
I feel sorry for Ireland. Smashed today in Euro 2012 by Spain they are going to take an even bigger beating in the Rugby tomorrow here in Christchurch. It's going to be a pretty emotional game for the AB's being the first time they've played here since the quakes and over half of the squad being Canterbury locals.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 16, 2012, 04:08:16 PM
Disastarous try to concede to start.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 16, 2012, 04:11:32 PM
Fucking hell we are getting smashed here.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 16, 2012, 04:26:13 PM
Christ this is horrendous.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 16, 2012, 04:30:35 PM
Good try by us.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 16, 2012, 04:53:07 PM
In retrospect their first try should never have stood.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 16, 2012, 05:25:32 PM
Youngs is having a great game.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 16, 2012, 05:56:10 PM
Great second half with lots of courage. I'll also note we improved massively after Botha came off, he is not a good player.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: richard moore on June 16, 2012, 06:07:44 PM
Great courage and spirit shown by England. Having slagged of Youngs something rotten in the past, he was very good today as were some of the players coming off the bench. I agree Botha had a bad game. I also thought Foden was a bit off the pace and I do wonder sometimes about Tualangi in the midfield as he only has one way of playing and it isn't always very successful against the bigger backs you face in the southern hemisphere. I was all for turning off first half and doing some gardening, pleased I didn't
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 16, 2012, 07:35:57 PM
I didn't think it at half time, but it bodes very well for the future. Lots of young players being blooded in very tough conditions. Botha and Johnson aren't international level for me, and the former definitely needs to go. When we get the likes of Lawes, Wood, Croft back we'll be in really good shape. Ashton is starting to find his form again which is great.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 16, 2012, 09:46:16 PM
Seems like Scotland are the only European side that can beat Southern Hemisphere teams. ;-)
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on June 17, 2012, 08:32:22 AM
Encouraging second half and you have to consider what we are missing through injury as well.
Bordeaux in the Amlin for Glaws? Hmm, I see some wine tasting for my birthday in October!
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 17, 2012, 12:26:05 PM
In retrospect their first try should never have stood.
Thought the 2nd was iffy as well, supposed to be in control of the ball when it's touched down, I've watched it a few times and can't work out how anyone could suggest he's in control of that after it's been stripped and is under his armpit. That it went to the TV and was still given really shocked me.
First half I noticed again that, for some unfathomable reason, going off your feet in the ruck doesn't apply to south africans, the amount of times we couldn't counter-ruck because 2-3 SA players had dived over the top and completely cut it off was scary. So long as they're allowed to do that the chance of winning the ball back is hugely diminished and makes it really tough to compete with them. It's even worse when you have a penalty given against you when you do the same in return.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 17, 2012, 03:50:35 PM
Well I think Alain Rolland is arguably the worst referee in the high profile rugby. He's fucking diabolical. South Africa also get away with so much stuff, because they're seen as acceptably 'aggressive and hard'. They essentially have a licence to teach.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on June 18, 2012, 08:17:00 AM
Rolland or "that" South African wanker are streets ahead of everyone else in the worst international ref field.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 18, 2012, 08:29:14 AM
Agreed, Rolland is a terrible ref, always picks a side early on and gives them the benefit of everything for the rest of the game.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on June 18, 2012, 12:59:39 PM
Add me to those that think Rolland is woeful. I think he is the worst official in any sport that I have seen. He is just totally incompetent and thinks that the crowd have come to see him. In fact, while I am at it, get rid of Irish refs all together, both Clancy and Fitzgibbon are dreadful too.
That said, although he was poor, I wouldn't use him as a reason as to why we lost. Like Richard said earlier, I was all for going to do something different at half time, but so glad I didn't. What a superb effort in the second half by the lads. I was happier about the way we fought and played in that period than I was for all of the wins in the Six Nations.
Read a lot of stuff yesterday and don't think England quite got the credit they deserved because, make no mistake, after 30 mins we were staring at 50-60 point drubbing. I'm especially looking at Stephen Jones and Staurt Barnes in the Times. They have obviously got an agenda against Lancaster and won't be happy until they have him out.
On to the team and I thought Corbs made a massive difference when he came on and looking at that, you wouldn't bet against our front row being the Lions front row next year?. Cole impresses me more and more and he had the Beast sorted on Saturday. Where I think we lack is a Grewcock/Johnson figure in the second row. I think it will be Lawes or Attwood to fulfill that role, but Parling and Botha were poor Saturday. Waldrom added something when he came on, Robshaw continues to confound my criticism of him and I thought Johnson had another decent game. Was surprised to see the criticism of him earlier.
So glad Ben Youngs backed up my faith in him and I thought he and Flood did well. Manu and JJ need perservering with and hope we can get them some ball next week. I wouldn't have Strettle anywhere near the team and as Wade isn't going to play because of defensive issues, I would bring Goode in at FB and move Foden back to the wing.
All in all I am hugely excited about the future and no Stuart Barnes is going to shake my faith just yet :-)
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 18, 2012, 01:09:03 PM
Stuart Barnes is always unbelievably negative and irritating. I thought in spite of the defeat we were very good from the 20th minute on Saturday. As the side develops and injured players come back I'm convinced we'll be a top team. My opinion(which was fairly high) of Lancaster has improved with this tour.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 18, 2012, 01:46:14 PM
My mate is Tom Palmers uncle, had a text from Tom on Saturday evening, showed it me this morning, went something along the lines of 'disappointed with result, everyone upbeat about performance, spirit & belief in everyone & everything is all consuming'
Sounds like Lancaster & his team are just what England needed, a result in the 3rd test could be just what they need to go onto great things.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 18, 2012, 03:49:43 PM
There's definitely more positives than negatives. I agree that 2nd row doesn't look quite right at the minute, But with Kitchener coming through, Lawes and Attwood looking to get fit and Launchbury looking good for 4,5 or 6 we've got options there.
Robshaw is doing nothing wrong but he's not in the same league as the 7s for oz, nz or wales, I'm holding out for Kvesic there though, who will be a top talent. 6 Johnson is ok but hasn't got the skills or pace to compete with Wood or Croft who will both be straight back in the squad when they're fit (wood is better of the 2 by a long way as well, genuinely world class 6).
Youngs did well, I still think there were times where he was too slow getting the ball out and we lost an overlap because of it.
Hard to call on JJ as we got such little good ball for the centres to use.
The key for england is to shake off this image refs have of us, anything borderline we do is given against us which severely impacts our ability to truly aggressive in the breakdown, SA and Ireland in particular prey on that and just out-muscle us on the floor which makes it really tough to win turnovers or generate quick ball for the backs. I have no idea how we go about that though. I'd love Lancaster to start really pushing the message in interviews, etc - even if it achieves nothing in the short term I'd love to see the start of an awareness that, for 8-9 years we've been given the shitty end of the stick more often than not.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 18, 2012, 08:05:00 PM
Croft is World Class as well.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on June 21, 2012, 01:17:58 PM
England : A Goode; C Ashton, J Joseph, M Tuilagi, B Foden; T Flood, D Care; A Corbisiero, D Hartley (capt), D Cole, T Palmer, G Parling, T Johnson, J Haskell, T Waldrom.
Replacements : L Mears, J Marler, M Botha, P Dowson, L Dickson, O Farrell, B Barritt.
This looks an exciting team to me. Very pleased to see Alex Goode getting a run at full back as I really rate him. Still not sure on Foden as wing and would love to have seen him take a gamble with Jonny May or Christian Wade. I believe that Morgan will come again next season and I guess he probably hasn't been fit this tour, but the pack looks quite well balanced to me.
One caveat I would add, we have no pace or guile to come on from the bench. This looks weak in my opinion.
I think there have been plenty of positives on this tour and it bodes well for the future. As Lancaster has said though, by the time of the Autumn's he needs to know who is going to be on the 3 yr journey to the next World Cup. I guess this game will go part way to answering the questions. But with the likes of Lawes, Robshaw, Wood and Croft to come back and maybe players like Henry Thomas introduced, we have the basis of a good pack. We have loads of scrum halves and some good depth at fly half and plenty of back three options. Hopefully Manu and JJ can go well this weekend and give us a centre pairing.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 21, 2012, 01:52:25 PM
England : A Goode; C Ashton, J Joseph, M Tuilagi, B Foden; T Flood, D Care; A Corbisiero, D Hartley (capt), D Cole, T Palmer, G Parling, T Johnson, J Haskell, T Waldrom.
Replacements : L Mears, J Marler, M Botha, P Dowson, L Dickson, O Farrell, B Barritt.
This looks an exciting team to me. Very pleased to see Alex Goode getting a run at full back as I really rate him. Still not sure on Foden as wing and would love to have seen him take a gamble with Jonny May or Christian Wade. I believe that Morgan will come again next season and I guess he probably hasn't been fit this tour, but the pack looks quite well balanced to me.
One caveat I would add, we have no pace or guile to come on from the bench. This looks weak in my opinion.
I think there have been plenty of positives on this tour and it bodes well for the future. As Lancaster has said though, by the time of the Autumn's he needs to know who is going to be on the 3 yr journey to the next World Cup. I guess this game will go part way to answering the questions. But with the likes of Lawes, Robshaw, Wood and Croft to come back and maybe players like Henry Thomas introduced, we have the basis of a good pack. We have loads of scrum halves and some good depth at fly half and plenty of back three options. Hopefully Manu and JJ can go well this weekend and give us a centre pairing.
Bold bit is important for me. Farrell and Barritt on the bench is a terrible decision. Wade or May had to get the nod to give us a running threat from the bench. After his performance on tuesday it would be May replacing Barritt for me, Farrell can cover 10, 12 and 13 as he's played all of them at club level. May had 2 moments on tuesday that show how big a threat he is, his raw pace to create the chance for abendanon to get his hattrick and then a truly spectacular finish for his own try, there are very few players in the world who could've scored from there.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on June 21, 2012, 02:27:43 PM
Agreed Paul_e. I would guess though that part of their thinking is that both Joseph and Tuilagi can cover wing, so it makes more sense to have another centre alongside Farrell, who will also cover fly half.
Like you, I am a massive fan of May and thought he should have been on the tour anyway. With the likes of Ashton, Wade, May, Sharples, Yarde and Brown, Foden and Goode at full back we do have loads of potential there. We certainly shouldn't be seeing anymore of the likes of Strettle or Banahan.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 21, 2012, 02:52:57 PM
As I said incorrectly in the cricket thread! I'm glad to see Lancaster isn't afraid to make bold changes. I'm pleased to see Goode in and it's an attacking team. Also he's rewarding Waldrom for his good display last week. Corbiseiro in for Marler is a good call, and I'm relieved to see Botha is out.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: villan1975 on June 23, 2012, 10:17:10 AM
Can someone please put the Irish team out of their misery?I didn't see any rugby of the seventies but this New Zealand team are absolutely in a different world to any other team.Six changes today and they still gain their record score against Ireland.Richie Mccaw is the best player I have seen,an absolute warrior.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on June 23, 2012, 12:47:08 PM
May didn't make the bench? Bugger.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 23, 2012, 04:06:28 PM
Stuart Barnes is a negative bastard.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 23, 2012, 04:16:34 PM
Flood off injured and missed two kicks.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 23, 2012, 05:05:57 PM
Brilliant tackle by Ashton.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 23, 2012, 05:47:30 PM
Great draw for England.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 23, 2012, 07:05:53 PM
Good result, performance was good under pressure and that hit from ashton will go down in folklore. Very impressed that their fullback kept his head and got the ball back after that, showed some real quality. I thought the back 3 worked well, I thought the back row were solid (not sure tom johnson has it to play at the very top level though). Front row were good but I'd have liked to have seen an alternative to Mears on the bench and I really think we'd be better using corbisiero starting with Marler the impact option off the bench (which was the plan if corbs hadn't picked up a knock). Joseph needs some time on the pitch against opponents where we have a bit more chance to use him.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on June 23, 2012, 07:44:30 PM
Good result, performance was good under pressure and that hit from ashton will go down in folklore. Very impressed that their fullback kept his head and got the ball back after that, showed some real quality. I thought the back 3 worked well, I thought the back row were solid (not sure tom johnson has it to play at the very top level though). Front row were good but I'd have liked to have seen an alternative to Mears on the bench and I really think we'd be better using corbisiero starting with Marler the impact option off the bench (which was the plan if corbs hadn't picked up a knock). Joseph needs some time on the pitch against opponents where we have a bit more chance to use him.
Pretty much agree with that Paul, would love to have seen Corbs start as I think we would have been on top of the Bok pack.
Key part of today for me was when Flood left the field. Nice and flat at the start, getting the ball to Manu nice and early and hey presto, busting the gainline. Unfortunately when he went off Farrell started kicking too much ball away, that one from 10 yds away was criminal. That in turn led to Jospeh seeing bugger all of the ball in the whole game. Again, I repeat what I have said ad infinitum on this thread, at the moment Farrell isn't a test class number 10.
Enjoyed the back three performance and believe that Ashton is finding his best form again, excellent work rate today. Thought Goode was sublime at full back and hope this is the start of a long career in the 15 jersey. This will in turn move Foden to the wing I guess, but with Wade, May and Sharples about, what options we have in the back three now and that's without mentioning Brown.
Danny Care was excellent as well and how fortunate are we to have him Youngs and Dickson all vying for a starting spot. Will Greenwood has just tweeted his Lions team and has Phillips at 9. Why?. Our three are streets ahead of him in all facets other than physicality.
Talking of Lions starters, step forward Dan Cole. Tamed the beast in all the tests matches and his workrate around the field and at the breakdown especially is outstanding, just needs to stop conceding daft pens. Please someone tell me why Adam Jones should start ahead of him for the Lions?. Marler did well today, considering he took a bit of a pummelling last week, but I feel Corbs was a huge miss today.
Parling and Palmer were solid today and even Botha did well when he came on.
Back row again we have a embarrassment of riches. Johnson has had a fine tour in my eyes and Haskell came in and did his cause no harm today. Waldrom was a nice pleasant surprise as I wasn't sure he had it for the highest level.
So I think that under Lancaster we have moved forward massively and fair credit to him. I can't wait for the Autumn series and am looking forward to hopefully beating both SA and Aussie at Twickenham. I don't think we have anything to be scared of in either of those teams. If everyone is fit and that will never happen, what about the following 22 :
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: lovejoy on June 24, 2012, 08:48:44 AM
Not sure about Joseph myself. Difficult to tell how much was England being good and SA being poor. That said a result in the SH is a rare event so credit where it's due.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on June 24, 2012, 09:19:10 AM
Not sure about Joseph myself. Difficult to tell how much was England being good and SA being poor. That said a result in the SH is a rare event so credit where it's due.
I actually think Jospeh comes out of these 2 games with more chance of being a regular. He got very little ball so we haven't seen him do what he's good at. Some flair players would've gone missing in that situation but he got involved, tackled well, fought in the tight and generally showed a willingness to get a bit dirty. These are things that you need in a top 13 (BoD is fantastic at stealing ball on the floor for example) and it's what I wanted to see from him, there will be other games where he can run at people and create holes but seeing that's not all he's got is probably the biggest victory of the tour.
Generally we've seen big improvements through the tour and as a team we've grown, just hope he finds an alternative to Farrell at 10 because, for all his potential, he really limits our attacking threat at the minute and is a weak link in a potentially very good side, particularly when Wood and Croft come back into things. I agree with Dave on the one he chipped through from the shadow of the posts, shocking decision which summed up why he's not ready to play at the highest level.
Final point, I mostly like the side you've got there Dave but I think I'd have Kitchener around the 22 as well, Lawes and Kitchener could be a top class pairing for 10years, we need to see them together soon and see if they work.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: Dave Summers on July 05, 2012, 12:21:41 PM
England EPS: A Allen (Leicester), C Ashton (Saracens), B Barritt (Saracens), M Brown (Harlequins), D Care (Harlequins), L Dickson (Northampton), O Farrell (Saracens), T Flood (Leicester), B Foden (Northampton), A Goode (Saracens), J Joseph (London Irish), C Sharples (Gloucester), M Tuilagi (Leicester), J Turner-Hall (Harlequins), B Youngs (Leicester), M Botha (Saracens), A Corbisiero (London Irish), D Cole (Leicester), T Croft (Leicester), P Dowson (Northampton), D Hartley (Northampton), T Johnson (Exeter), C Lawes (Northampton), J Marler (Harlequins), B Morgan (Gloucester), T Palmer (Wasps), G Parling (Leicester), C Robshaw (Harlequins), M Stevens (Saracens), T Waldrom (Leicester), R Webber (Bath), T Wood (Northampton).
England Saxons: N Abendanon (Bath), M Benjamin (Leicester), T Biggs (Bath), F Burns (Gloucester), G Ford (Leicester), G Lowe (Harlequins), J May (Gloucester), R Miller (Sale Sharks), U Monye (Harlequins), J Simpson (Wasps), D Strettle (Saracens), B Twelvetrees (Gloucester), C Wade (Wasps), R Wigglesworth (Saracens), N Catt (Bath), C Clark (Northampton), L Deacon (Leicester), P Doran-Jones (Northampton), C Fearns (Bath), J Gaskell (Sale Sharks), J Gibson (London Irish), J Gray (Harlequins), J Haskell (Wasps), G Kitchener (Leicester), M Kvesic (Worcester), J Launchbury (Wasps), M Mullan (Worcester), D Paice (London Irish), G Robson (Harlequins), H Thomas (Sale Sharks), D Wilson (Bath), T Youngs (Leicester).
The 2 squads announced today by Stuart Lancaster.
A little disappointed that May and Wade haven't found their way into the full squad. I really feel that Barritt and Turner-Hall are the same player and only one of them needed to be picked, especially when Anthony Allen is there as well and they could have picked someone with a bit more creativity instead.
Only skimmed them really, but we do have some strength in depth for sure. Two things stand out, only two hookers from what I can see and again no natural 7 as a back up to Robshaw. Although I guess Wood will be seen as a 7 ultimately.
Very pleased that Strettle has departed and with only Ashton and Sharples as out and out wingers, it suggests that either Goode or Brown will be having a run at 15 with Foden swapping?
Looking forward to the Autumn Internationals where I expect to win at least 2 out of the 4 games and hope for 3 wins.
Title: Re: Rugby Union Thread
Post by: paul_e on July 05, 2012, 12:47:35 PM
Not sure about the back row options in the main squad, croft, wood, johnson and dowson are all best at 6 and Lawes is more than capable of playing there as well. I guess we're just blessed with a great crop of 6s and nothing at 7 (even Robshaw was a 6 when he started and was switched). It gets even worse when you see Clark, Launchbury and Gaskell in the saxons who are all very good 6s as well.
Agree with the barrit/turner-hall comment, I don't see much point taking both.
Not happy with Matt Stevens being in the main squad, like strettle, hodgson and mears he's had enough chances and never delivered, glad the other 3 have gone though.
I love the saxons squad. there are a couple of older heads who should bring some experience to things and then it's a who's who of the good young talent in england, i can see 7-8 (May, Miller, Kvesic, Youngs, Wade, Twelvetrees, Kitchener and maybe Mullen) all pushing for a place in the main squad if anyone up there has a bad couple of months.
Definitely lots of reasons to be very positive about the way english rugby is going.