The Rugby Thread

[pharvey]

^ Indeed, some good rugby on this weekend - you also have the Top 14 Final between Stade Français and Clermont (has to be better than the Premiership Final!)....

[dtaai-maai]

Just watched the Top 14 final pharvey referred to. Won't say much in case any of you are about to watch it without knowing the result, but don't expect a classic.

It wasn't helped by my personal pet hate, the Eurosports rugby commentator Robbie Nock, whose umms, errs, y'knows and I means must make him the worst sports commentator I've ever heard - God only knows how he's kept his job for so long.

[pharvey]

Just watched the Top 14 final pharvey referred to. Won't say much in case any of you are about to watch it without knowing the result, but don't expect a classic.

It wasn't helped by my personal pet hate, the Eurosports rugby commentator Robbie Nock, whose umms, errs, y'knows and I means must make him the worst sports commentator I've ever heard - God only knows how he's kept his job for so long.

Nope, it wasn't the best.... - A great pity really as I really thought it was going to be a great game of rugby. One of the positives of the match was how well Nick Abendanon played (once again)..... As a Welshman, I'm grateful to the English RFU for not picking overseas based players (ridiculous rule)!! Also have to agree with comments re: Robbie Nock - he must have some contacts within the company! Thankfully, I didn't have to suffer him on this occasion as I watched it through Sky Sports!

[dtaai-maai]

One of the positives of the match was how well Nick Abendanon played (once again)..... As a Welshman, I'm grateful to the English RFU for not picking overseas based players (ridiculous rule)!!

Yes, I meant to mention that he was the one player - from either side really - that really stood out for me. Having watched a lot of French rugby lately, I've also meant to bring up the subject of the overseas players rule. I can understand the the RFU not wanting to make exceptions to it, as I'm sure there are players who've made sacrifices in order to stay in the UK, but is it a 'Good Rule'?

How does the Aviva Premiership compare to the French Top 14? Pretty well overall, I'd say, in spite of the money available to 2 or 3 of the top French clubs but maybe that's partly down to the rule. Can't really compare those with the Super Rugby setup, as it involves 3 countries.

On a slightly different topic, I was watching the Waratahs play at their home ground in Sydney. There's a massive screen at one end that must be half the width of the pitch. I couldn't help wondering how distracting it was for goal kickers to see themselves lining up the kick in 30' close up...

[pharvey]

^ As a Bath supporter he's been a great loss - and despite the back three Bath have now, I still wonder what difference he would have made in the Premiership Final. He's just one of those players that can bring a "spark" to the game, just that one bit of brilliance that can turn a match... I feel he's been completely underrated by England - very sad to see, even for a Welsh supporter!

The ruling regarding overseas players is ridiculous (as well as confusing) to me. "Gatland's Law" in Wales for example prohibits players based overseas playing for Wales... HOWEVER, those who signed contracts previous to the "law" are free to play/be selected (in other words, there's no way we drop our best). The English RFU (as do NZ,Aus and SA) have a wholesale - "NO YOU CANNOT BE SELECTED" policy... however, if you are a foreigner who has lived (and played rugby) in our country for 3 years, we can select you!!

There are huge arguments over foreign players and their qualification/eligibility to represent whatever country in whatever sport . Obviously I am biased towards rugby (and Wales). I for one accept the likes of Taulupe Faletau representing Wales despite the fact that he was born in Tonga - he was brought up from an early age in Wales and played his rugby life there - he hasn't just turned up.... As mentioned earlier - a couple of his cousins decided to go across the border... MUPPETS!!

Gareth Anscombe (again Wales.. ) on the other hand qualifies through his Welsh mother. He was born in NZ, has played rugby at under 20's level for NZ and therefore for me has made his choice - he should not be playing for Wales however good he is.

Now who would be a notable name in English rugby who also played for NZ at under 20's level?

[PeteC]

KFC is a major sponsor of the NRL. When the video ref is deciding, they put up a picture of a bucket of chicken with the words "feed the team". If it's a TRY a hand comes in and takes a piece of chicken. If NO TRY, when the hand comes in it gets smacked away! Keep an eye out for it if you watch NRL. Funny and creative. Pete

[PeteC]

As the Country Road bar & Restaurant reminded me ( https://www.facebook.com/countryroadbs?fref=ts ), the State of Origin II match is on at 1700 hours today. Details below:

http://www.nrl.com/DrawResults/HoldenSt ... fault.aspx

[pharvey]

^ Thanks for the heads-up Pete - must admit I don't follow the NRL too closely, but will try and take a look later..

And on to: -

Solidarity and co-operation between Islamic countries..

Malaysia v Algeria Rugby Final Ends in Players' Brawl

"It was intended as a rugby tournament to improve relationships, but ended with a mass brawl involving players.

Last weekend's inaugural final of the Crescent Cup between hosts Malaysia and Algeria was abandoned after fighting broke out between the two teams, with punches and chairs thrown.

Malaysian Rugby Union (MRU) chief Mazuri Sallehudin fears repercussions.

"The MRU and the national team could face disciplinary action from World Rugby and Asian Rugby," he said.

Sallehudin, who was quoted in Malaysia's New Strait Times, added: "[One of our players] was attacked by six Algerians and it was at that point that the spectators went in to help him.
"We have already filed a police report on the incident and will have a council meeting to decide what action to take soon."

Malaysia Rugby Union told BBC Sport seven players from Malaysia and three players and officials from Algeria were treated at hospital.

A spokesperson for the sport's governing body said: "World Rugby is aware of the incident and we are seeking further details."

BBC Sport have also contacted Algerian Rugby.

Malaysia were later awarded a 19-11 victory in the final of a six-nation tournament aimed at promoting solidarity and close co-operation between Islamic countries."

[PeteC]

State of Origin II just starting now after the opening show. Queensland won the first and if they win tonight, it's over. If lose, on to Origin III to decide it. NSW is the reigning champ from last year. Pete

Edit: Setanta Sports, True channel 669

[PeteC]

NSW wins number II, 26-18 to tie what is now a three match series. Game 3 in Brisbane in about 3 weeks time. It was an entertaining match and hard fought but NSW is simply a younger team and it showed in the 2nd half. What Queensland will do differently to get an advantage in match 3 is yet to be seen.

Match 2 was at the Melbourne cricket grounds with a paid attendance of 91,513. When you get to a number like that you're up there with the world record of highest attendance at any stadium sport. For sure last night must be an all time rugby world record. Pete

[pharvey]

^ Can't say I really enjoyed it, but then again I am biased towards the union game. Let's see what happens in Round III and the decider..

As to the world record crowd, from memory it's over 100,000 and I've a feeling was held in the UK, although could well be mistaken as I can't think of any grounds close to that capacity (although I believe the record was set some years ago before major safety concerns got in the way!). Could well be at one of Australia's oval cricket grounds as they hold massive crowds still - as today's attendance clearly shows.



[EDIT] OK - Couldn't bear it, had to look!

This from WiKi..: -

"1954 saw the Challenge Cup final drawn and the replay set the record for a rugby league match attendance. The match was on 5 May and 102,569 was the official attendance at Odsal Stadium, although it's believed that up to 120,000 spectators were present to see Warrington defeat Halifax 8–4."

120,000 - Jesus H!!

[pharvey]

Ouch!! Now that (Champions Cup - Pool 5) is a true "Pool of Death"..... Bring on the Rugby World Cup then the European Cup(s)!!

Bath and Wasps Draw Holders Toulon in European Champions Cup Pool

"It is only June but rarely has the pool draw for a distant European campaign caused so many ripples. The pairing of the defending champions, Toulon, with Leinster, Bath and Wasps in Pool 5 of the European Rugby Champions Cup could not be juicier and there is more than enough intrigue elsewhere to suggest a stirring tournament awaits from mid-November onwards.

While there is the small matter of a World Cup in the interim, every Premiership club will have to brace themselves for an intense examination."

European Rugby Champions Cup Draw :-

POOL ONE: Saracens, Ulster, Toulouse, Oyonnax

POOL TWO: Clermont Auvergne, Ospreys, Exeter, Bordeaux

POOL THREE: Glasgow, Northampton, Racing 92, Scarlets

POOL FOUR: Stade Francais, Munster, Leicester, Treviso

POOL FIVE: Bath, Toulon, Leinster, Wasps

European Rugby Challenge Cup Draw : -

POOL 1: Connacht, Brive, Newcastle, Enisei-STM

POOL 2: Sale, Dragons, Castres, Pau

POOL 3: Montpellier, Harlequins, Cardiff Blues, Calvisano

POOL 4: La Rochelle, Gloucester, Zebre, Worcester

POOL 5: Edinburgh, London Irish, Grenoble, Agen

Some exciting rugby ahead!!

[PeteC]

Here's the Top 10 Rugby stadiums and indeed, Melbourne Cricket Ground is the largest capacity. Pete

http://sportige.com/top-10-rugby-union-venues/

[PeteC]

Super 15 has come down to an all new Zealand final on July 4. Hurricanes vs the Highlanders. I think the Hurricanes were more or less expected to be where they are after finishing as conference leader. The Highlanders were a wildcard team who basically dismantled the Waratahs earlier tonight, who were number two in the conference. The Waratahs were coming off a two week break, and their staleness really showed. Should be a good final. Pete

http://www.superxv.com/fixtures/

[pharvey]

^ Looking forward to it, although I think the Hurricanes are going to be way too strong for the Highlanders...... that said, it's Grand Final day and anything can happen!!