Rugby Union Thread

[cheltenhamlion]

To get a bloody good hiding on Sunday is nearer the mark

[cheltenhamlion]

That put the sheep shaggers in their place. Just need to organise some tickets for the LV final on Sunday now.

[JD]

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. 

[VillaZogmariner]

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.

[JD]

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.   

[VillaZogmariner]

I did wonder where the Crusaders were going to play their home games.

Have they said anything about the World Cup at all?

[spangley1812]

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

[VillaZogmariner]

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.

[JD]

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.

[VillaZogmariner]

Could they not also use Queenstown for some of the pool games too?

[JD]

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).

[VillaZogmariner]

How many does Queenstown hold then? I'd have thought it was 10k at least because of the Highlanders playing there.

[peter w]

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.

[JD]

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.   

[cheltenhamlion]

Gloucester won the Anglo Welsh Cup on Sunday.