The Rugby Thread

[pharvey]

A ridiculous situation IMHO . I'm very much in favour of a "Global Rugby Union Season" as I see it being good for the game and more importantly good for player welfare. It seems the English and Scottish Rugby Unions are the only Tier One Unions opposing the plan - financially based thinking I'm sure, but if the changes are made properly, I believe it will be a win-win outcome for all
Obviously the change in schedule would involve numerous changes throughout the game in the Northern Hemisphere (Pro 12/Premiership/Top 14 seasons and Autumn Internationals etc.), but IMHO needs to be done and is long overdue.

Global Rugby Union Season Talks Stall to Leave 2019 Fixture List in Limbo

"Talks between the major rugby unions about a global season have stalled, raising fears that there will be no international calendar after the 2019 World Cup outside official tournaments, such as the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship.

The major southern hemisphere nations have long argued for a global season which would separate club and international fixtures to synchronise the playing calendar. The New Zealand head coach, Steve Hansen, has described the current schedule as “bordering on the ludicrous” and detrimental to player welfare, but three years of talks have yielded little.

A global season would mean changing the timing of events and ending the June and November international windows when countries fly out at the end of nine- or 10-month seasons. The four home unions are split about starting the Six Nations later in the year – England and Ireland are opposed while Scotland and Wales, whose chief executives were hired from the business world, are in favour."

Full Story: - https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/ ... xture-list

REMINDER: Second Round of the Rugby Championship this coming Saturday: -

New Zealand vs Australia (KO 07:35 GMT)
Argentina vs South Africa (KO 19:40 GMT)

For those in the HHF Prediction League, don't forget to make your picks and good luck!

[PeteC]

The All Blacks need to call Doctor Who to find them another planet to play rugby on IMO. I'm looking forward to see if their mentality and drive will hold up throughout the entire Championship series. Pete

[pharvey]

The All Blacks need to call Doctor Who to find them another planet to play rugby on IMO. I'm looking forward to see if their mentality and drive will hold up throughout the entire Championship series. Pete

I thought they were on another planet already!! They're certainly on a vastly different level... Still, I'm looking forward to seeing how the British Lions will fare against them come next year's tour. (Still trying to work out how I'm going to explain to the LHG why it took me two weeks to get the shopping from Tesco's when the time comes!).

As for today's game, 4 tries to nil pretty much sums things up. The speed at which the AB's recycle the ball and their skill at offloading the ball is second to none and constantly creates overlaps, nigh on impossible to defend against at times.

[PeteC]

I've got Argentina by 6 on this one tonight.....let's see? Pete

[pharvey]

I've got Argentina by 6 on this one tonight.....let's see? Pete

Now, now, don't get cocky because you nailed the first game's score!!

........ Although I've got them by 3!!

[PeteC]

Wallabies coach Cheika points finger at French ref

I would imagine Cheika's job is at stake, or will be soon if things don't improve. I don't blame him for spinning issues to deflect attention from himself. Survival mode IMO. Pete

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/1 ... french-ref

[PeteC]

What happened? I fell asleep on the sofa around the half and missed the rest. I read now Argentina kicked a penalty with 3 minutes left to take it, and their lead almost evaporated again in the second half, like last week. 3 points was a good pick Pharvey, you and your nemesis RZR got the 2 points.

I must say Setanta (or Argentina broadcasting) put on a terrible broadcast IMO. No stadium noise or ref on-field microphone, and commentators sounding like they're in a room somewhere doing the play by play...maybe by remote! No surprise I fell asleep with that style, anyone would! Pete

[pharvey]

What happened? I fell asleep on the sofa around the half and missed the rest. I read now Argentina kicked a penalty with 3 minutes left to take it, and their lead almost evaporated again in the second half, like last week.

To be fair, I don't think the Pumas fell off the pace in the second half, it was simply a case of the Boks improving their game and hitting back. Although they'll certainly need to improve significantly to trouble the Blackness on their current form.

As for the Pumas, a deserved win although scrappy at times and they (as well as the Jarppies) need to look at the penalty count/infringements for future games in the tournament.

I must say Setanta (or Argentina broadcasting) put on a terrible broadcast IMO. No stadium noise or ref on-field microphone, and commentators sounding like they're in a room somewhere doing the play by play...maybe by remote! No surprise I fell asleep with that style, anyone would! Pete

Sounds like a nightmare broadcast! I actually watched on Sky Sports (UK) which was very good despite the efforts of the NZ commentators.....

3 points was a good pick Pharvey, you and your nemesis RZR got the 2 points.

Luck more than judgment Pete and unfortunately as RZR (DAMN that man! ) somehow copied my prediction, we share the Bonus Point taking 2 pts each from the match rather the possible 2.5 pts....... Meaning that you are the leading scorer of the second round. Congratulations therefore on a deserved Yellow Cap - spot on predicting!!

With Pete's Yellow Cap this round, and 5 of 9 betting on an SA win, the Top 3 after two rounds are: -

Pete
pharvey
redzonerocker

Here's to the next round (10/09) which see's NZ playing host to Argentina and SA travelling Down Under.

[pharvey]

Have to be honest, I missed this during the "live match". Looking at the video, it certainly looks like Franks made contact "in the eye area" and such instances have been cited on numerous occasions previously. Personally I think he can consider himself lucky that this was not taken/investigated further (malicious intent or not).

Rugby Championship: Owen Franks Will Not Be Cited

"New Zealand prop Owen Franks has not been cited after it was decided he has no case to answer over allegations he gouged an Australia player in the All Blacks' 29-9 victory on Saturday.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika thought action would be taken after Franks put his hand in Kane Douglas's face.
But governing body Sanzaar said there had been no citings from the game.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said he agreed "that there is nothing to answer for".
He added: "You have to be really careful until you see all the views [of the incident].
"Social media were the people who alerted everyone to it and they certainly don't get all the views, so you need to be careful.""

Taken from http://www.bbc.co.uk

Make you own mind up: -

[PeteC]

I was trying to prioritize in my mind a listing of leagues that I prefer to watch and follow. The following is the order I came up with, much of it dependent on what I can watch on TV from here:

1) All Blacks
2) Super 18
3) England National Team (especially with their new coach on board)
4) Guinness PRO 12
5) Aviva Premiership
6) French Top 14
7) NRL rugby league, especially this time of year as playoff time.

I think if you can take in most of the above, you have a pretty good grip on the world of rugby. Honestly speaking, I have more available to watch from Thailand here than I would have in the USA. Pete

[pharvey]

I was trying to prioritize in my mind a listing of leagues that I prefer to watch and follow. The following is the order I came up with, much of it dependent on what I can watch on TV from here:

1) All Blacks - (PH) Well, the Rugby Championship and the World 7's.
2) Super 18 - (PH) Not so much, don't really get the coverage.
3) England National Team (especially with their new coach on board) - (PH) Who are they? Second division side? - DON'T MENTION BEELZEBUB!!
4) Guinness PRO 12 - (PH) Depressing for the Welsh teams last season, but this year looks better (although not for the Dragons)
5) Aviva Premiership - (PH) Could be a very interesting season with numerous signings and changes in management/coaching.
6) French Top 14 - (PH) They certainly have the money and a fair few stars! Sure to be some cracking games once again this season.
7) NRL rugby league, especially this time of year as playoff time - (PH) Don't enjoy so much, but do watch the odd game.

I think if you can take in most of the above, you have a pretty good grip on the world of rugby. Honestly speaking, I have more available to watch from Thailand here than I would have in the USA. Pete

You certainly seem to have become an avid supporter Pete - All Good!!

[EDIT] Seriously looking forward to the Kick-off of the Pro 12 and Premiership this weekend (actually kicking off Friday evening). Last few beers and rugby ( ) before heading to Iran next week.....

[pharvey]

Began a new chapter in my working career this week, starting with another company and meeting with the guys...... Now, why am I posting in the "Rugby Thread"?

The UK Head Office is based in "Rugby".
After my first day I went for a pint with a few co-workers to "The William Webb Ellis" pub.
My "Digs" for the week are on "Rugby Road".
The name of my room (yes, rooms are named in this place) is "Osprey"...... (Neath and Swansea rugby nicknamed "The Ospreys")
Now, if this is not a good sign for a rugby loving Welshman, God only know's what is....

[PeteC]

^ You should save your ticket stubs Pharvey and when the shine is off going to exotic places like the Congo and Iran , buy a place in that town. Who knows, pub culture may have come full circle by then. How much fun would that be, a rugby pub where the owner really knows about rugby, and rugby enthusiasts for customers. Pete

[pharvey]

^ Now how could the shine ever wear off those exotic places?!!

As to buying in "Rugby", slight downside....... it's in Engeeerlund!!

That said, based on the name of my room here and the address, I'm certainly putting a fiver on the "Ospreys" to take the Pro 12 this year!!

Hope you enjoy your weekend's viewing!!

[PeteC]

Concerning Rugby League, try to catch a replay of the Hull victory over Warrington at Wembley for the Challenge Cup championship last Saturday. Every once in a while a League match comes along that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and this was one of them. Pete