Domestic and European Rugby 2016 - 2017

[paul_e]

Dylan Hartley is a fucking scumbag.

I won't try to defend what he did (I can't it was pathetic).

That said i think the officitiating in the last couple of weeks has been appalling against the English teams. In the current munster tigers game it's beyond incompetence and firmly into cheating territory.  There's been 4 kickable penalties for Munster and only 1 was an actual penalty. On top of that the offside line, for munster, appears to be 2yards further forward than normal and competing for the ball on your knees isxok if you're wearing red.

[paul_e]

And then the ref goes complete 180 and gives tigers the rub 2nd half, culminating in a shockung yellow for Zebo (I'd have given the penalty though).

[Rotterdam]

Brill finish to the Connaught game v Wasps.

[paul_e]

This is a pathetic performance from saints, Mallinder might leave even sooner than I thought.

[cheltenhamlion]

They can stay shit for a couple of weeks yet. They have a trip to Kingsholm due soon.

[Gareth]

Not necessarily! as a follower of Worcester I am already thinking the 2 games with Bristol will define relegation as Warrriors seem such a soft touch defensively.  Seems as though some are trusting that all will be good once Houggard returns but momentum can be bad.

Before Ryan left I genuinely thought mid table with no nervousness was well within grasp, not sure Hogg carries the needed gravitas.

I think this needs upgrading to Worcester WILL be going down, having watched this since getting back from VP those players have downed tools....unless there is a reaction at board level to get a proper DOR who can knock them into shape & impose some defensive organisation there won't be another win this season

[paul_e]

Tough call right now, Worcester and Bristol are both terrible, it's a bit of a shame that they can't both go.  The big question mark for me is qualification for the champions cup, Saints really can't afford to miss out on it but they're so poor right now that I wouldn't bet on it, the game in hand for quins and glaws will be really interesting.

[Dante Lavelli]

Tough call right now, Worcester and Bristol are both terrible, it's a bit of a shame that they can't both go.  The big question mark for me is qualification for the champions cup, Saints really can't afford to miss out on it but they're so poor right now that I wouldn't bet on it, the game in hand for quins and glaws will be really interesting.

Financially they *should* be able to afford it, as Sunday Times today said they've made a profit for the past 16 years.  A bit like Arsenal, they need to start releasing some of the cash and investing in players.  The above article also states that they're well within the salary cap yet could not match Bath's contract offer for the Scrum Half which left.

[cheltenhamlion]

It seems Gloucester are getting bought buy a rich French bloke. What that means for recruitment I have no idea. Hopefully it means they can get players to see a fucking game out.

[paul_e]

If anyone is watching the sarries v exeter game and they can explain how Barritt didn't get a yellow for that tackle I'd be interested.  The red for Barrington was correct but I don't see how Barritt goes unpunished for a forearm to the face.

[paul_e]

nowell has just scored a wonder try.

[UK Redsox]

The Mighty Lyd 9, Old Redcliffians 8

Not exactly an open flowing game at Regentsholme this afternoon but a good win for Lydney against title contenders.

[cheltenhamlion]

Gloucester ruined Worcester yesterday. And I see that Hartpury are pissing their league.

[peter w]

You mean Gloucester B

[cheltenhamlion]

Well quite. But if they win that they are a second tier team.