The Rugby Thread

[pharvey]

[PeteC]

Pharvey, is the below Superbru WC pool really you? I ask because of the weird name and year, 2011?

Welcome to HHAD - New Zealand RWC 2011

[PeteC]

^ Assuming the title is just a copy/paste mistake from a previous year, I don't think you can fix it. You'll have to destroy the pool and start again IMO. Not a big deal as few if any signup's yet, and a lot of time before start.

[pharvey]

^ Yep.... Something seems to have gone amiss there! The Pool was named HHF RWC 2015, but it appears as I've hit the "Invite players from last RWC" button, they've used the same name. I'll have a look into changing the name or if need be starting a new pool.

Thanks for the heads up.

[PeteC]

We're into the days of southern hemisphere rugby league, as union is over for now. Two observations about the NRL:

1) This is a tougher game than many think. The tackles are brutal as is what goes on in the pile after the tackle. Also, many high tackles not called. I've seen more bloodied men walking around in NRL than I did in Super 15.

2) Their Video Ref is a living, vile festering mutant which has attained a life of its own through some kind of witchcraft. Used WAY too much and WAY too many bad calls IMO. It's starting to ruin the game as they use it for the smallest of things that it shouldn't be used for. Pete

[dtaai-maai]

We're into the days of southern hemisphere rugby league, as union is over for now.

Apart from the Rugby Championship. I'm just settling down to watch NZ v Argentina.

I'll give the NRL a look soon, never tried it before.

[pharvey]

We're into the days of southern hemisphere rugby league, as union is over for now

1) This is a tougher game than many think. The tackles are brutal as is what goes on in the pile after the tackle. Also, many high tackles not called. I've seen more bloodied men walking around in NRL than I did in Super 15.

IMHO there's far more "after the tackle" in rugby union (Christ that sounds bad - or am I just homophobic), as in rugby league the move comes to an end (as such) after each tackle. Fully agree that the tackles are brutal - simply trying to stop the "quick off-load". The Welsh rugby union team has benefited greatly from the guidance of Shaun Edwards - current defensive coach and ex-rugby league great. He played for Wigan for some 15 odd years during their heyday and is one of the (if not THE) most decorated players in the world. He's certainly given the Welsh team some defensive nous!!

2) Their Video Ref is a living, vile festering mutant which has attained a life of its own through some kind of witchcraft. Used WAY too much and WAY too many bad calls IMO. It's starting to ruin the game as they use it for the smallest of things that it shouldn't be used for. Pete

Video refs used far, far, far too much in both versions of the sport. Great idea, but needs to be utilised a little less and more professionally.

Wendyball could do with it though - and the prima donna divers brought to justice.

[pharvey]

I'm just settling down to watch NZ v Argentina.

Struggling to find a link - I'm too cheap to pay for SKY in the UK!!

[PeteC]

I already watched NZ/Arg wee hours this morning. Is what I saw a repeat from last year or are you guys watching it as a repeat?

[dtaai-maai]

Same game. I'm watching it on 365Sport - the advantage of that is I can watch it any time I like for the next several days.

[pharvey]

Australia vs South Africa ...... HT fairly evenly matched.

[PeteC]

^ I've missed it now. I'll pick it up on the replay early tomorrow morning.

[pharvey]

Well, I won't put the final score up until you've watched the game Pete, but all I can say is WOW!! What a game, and what a finish.......

[PeteC]

Go ahead Pharvey. I didn't see it this morning either and won't be near a TV later today. I'll see it sooner or later.

[PeteC]

I just read the BCC account Pharvey but you please do the honours. Below a general excerpt as an FYI:

"... All four teams return to action on Saturday, 25 July, with South Africa hosting the All Blacks before Australia's game in Argentina.

This year's tournament is reduced to three rounds because of the Rugby World Cup in September....."