Rugby Union 2013-14

[PaulWinch again]

I'm really not sure on Nowell I think he lacks a finisher's instinct, he did ok but I wouldn't say he's shown he's definitely going to be international class.

[paul_e]

George North is there on merit, when they've got the ball to him he's been very good.  I'm not sure why Roberts is in though, he's been one of the key reasons that North hasn't had more ball, he's a very powerful but incredibly 1 dimensional centre, much like Basteraud.  That said the centres in general have been pretty poor in the tournament, Burrell was the best, BoD was good but not as dynamic as he was a few years ago (understandably) after that Scotland, Wales, Italy and France all had poor tournaments in the centres (Fickou looked a class above the rest of the French backs but didn't play enough), D'arcy and Twelvetrees both had average tournaments as well, to be honest the tournament was dominated by the forwards, with most teams looking very good upfront.

[peter w]

Worcester throw it away in the last minute as Wasps go in. 11-13.

[paul_e]

Big defeat for Saints today, I hope they get things back on track next week.

[paul_e]

Watched Saints vs Tigers whilst flicking to the cricket, Saints seem to have been badly effected by the internationals, hopefully they'll get back on track soon.

However, I'd like to know how wayne barnes didn't see a high, straight arm to the face as a yellow card offence. There are a lot of things to like about Manu but his poor tackling technique and untamed aggression aren't amongst them, good job Waller is a tough cookie, he could've seriously hurt him, I wouldn't be surprised to see that one get cited, I doubt there'll be a ban as it wasn't a red card offence but I can see him getting a slap on the wrist.

[lovejoy]

You're making the mistake of trying to apply the laws of the game to Leicester. They're above them.

[PGW]

Warriors finally win a game - won away at Newcastle 17-12.
9 points behind Falcons

[paul_e]

You're making the mistake of trying to apply the laws of the game to Leicester. They're above them.

Indeed, it seemed to have changed a bit earlier in the season but recently every 50/50 has gone their way again.  Another one they got away with every time was not releasing the tackle before playing the ball, and then the saints player getting pulled up for not releasing the ball.  Slater is a master at that one, he managed to sneak a couple of very cheap penalties like that yesterday.  The penalty from the scrum in the 2nd half was typical Leicester as well, tight head and hooker turn across to force the wheel and then the back 5 straighten, the whole thing falls apart and they make a big deal of blaming the opposition, it resets, they repeat and get the penalty.  I don't understand how the refs can be so stupid to fall for it, they've done that same move for 20years.

[UK Redsox]

The Mighty Lyd are champions of SSE National 3 South West

http://www.gloucestercitizen.co.uk/Lydney-Rugby-Club-National-South-West-champions/story-20882056-detail/story.html

[PaulWinch again]

Goode has just had a horrible injury.

[paul_e]

really nasty collision that led to that, I can see the anti-english brigade is already out in force on the internet claiming that it wasn't a red card.  First rule of chasing a high ball is that jump so if there is a collision you're not tipping the guy up, as soon as Goode landed it was always going to be red, all the excuses will be that he had his eyes on the ball but that doesn't stop running into a man who's in the air like that incredibly dangerous.  Fair play to Ulster for doing what they could to keep it competitive though.

[lovejoy]

Indeed, the Ulster player never jumped and has a duty of care to the jumper. Not malicious but a red all the same. Brave refereeing.
Glos Bath saturday ....our Father, Who art in heaven .....

[paul_e]

Indeed, the Ulster player never jumped and has a duty of care to the jumper. Not malicious but a red all the same. Brave refereeing.
Glos Bath saturday ....our Father, Who art in heaven .....

You wouldn't believe how many people I've seen commenting on it who don't understand that 'duty of care' concept.

[cheltenhamlion]

I am going to the Gloucester game at the weekend.

[lovejoy]

We'll let's hope they put the Wasps game behind them and win, ideally then win at Twickenham next week (Ill be there) then top 7 and play off for HC next season.