The Rugby Thread

[dtaai-maai]

It doesn't happen often as the advantage of narrowing the kicking angle (for 2 points) is outweighed by the need to make sure of the try (5 points).

I agree with pharvey about the Springboks - they were the better side for 70 minutes and will consider themselves unlucky to have lost. But having said that, they were unable to score on a number of occasions of sustained pressure and when they had a 1-man advantage, and the NZ defence was exceptional. You make your own luck - a bit of a cliche, but nevertheless true,

[PeteC]

Pharvey Ja......please approve those waiting for the world cup pool. Can't go in and look at much until that's done. Actually I only see 3 of us so far and BB will sign up. However, if it's less than 6-8 I don't think it's worth it. If that decision is made...point us in the direction of one of the more populated pools you join/manage.

[PeteC]

I'm also convinced that like ice hockey, many rugby teams employ one or two players of low or no talent whose only function is to be an enforcer and/or try to get in cheap shots and not be seen. SAF has one, name begins with C, but forget the rest as basically he is a forgettable player! Sad to see that kind of strategy in any sport.

[pharvey]

Dificult to see from this footage, but Sanchez certainly seems to make a meal of things - Christ, Wendyball creeping into rugby...... The End is Nigh!!



Australia's Michael Hooper Cited for Alleged Foul Play as Flanker Appears to Punch Argentina's Nicolas Sanchez

"Australia flanker Michael Hooper has been cited four alleged foul play following the Wallabies' 34-9 victory over Argentina in the The Rugby Championship.
The former captain is alleged to have contravened Law 10.4(a) Punching or striking an opponent, when he took exception with being tugged back by Argentina's Nicolas Sanchez.
The incident happened off the ball as Dean Mumm crossed for a crucial try in the 59th minute. It was missed by all officials at the time and Hooper, a 48th minute replacement for Ben McCalman, avoided any punishment.
Hooper's case will now be looked at by SANZAR Duty Judicial Officer Chris Morris and he must decide whether to plead guilty or not.
The news comes the same day as under pressure Wallaby team-mate Quade Cooper apologised for posting an expletive-laden rant on Twitter after his latest disappointing display.
Wales' World Cup rivals will now face a Rugby Championship decider against New Zealand after seeing off South Africa last weekend."

Seems astonishing that it was missed by all officials (including the "Video Ref"). Whilst it makes no difference to this particular result, if there was an act of foul play, the try should be disallowed - in a closer game and in the RWC for example..... it could have a major effect.

[pharvey]

Forget the start of the Wendyball League, it's another Saturday of International Rugby!!!

With the tournament reduced to just three rounds this year due to the 2015 RWC, tomorrow see's the final round of the Rugby Championship. The Crims play host to the Blackness in the tournament decider, with the Jaarpies taking on the Wannabe Falkland Owners for the wooden spoon.

The Crims have not beaten those from The Land of The Long White Cloud since 2011 (a series of some 11 matches), so the odds are certainly against them. However, many are pointing to a close game which could go either way.... IMO it's going to be the game of the tournament. KO is 10:05 GMT.

Having both lost their opening two games, the Springboks and Pumas have only pride to play for. Can't see the Argies troubling SA at home (Boks by 2-3 tries), but will be interesting to see if they've got their act together in the pack. KO is 15:05 GMT

Of course, the "Match of the Day" will be God's Own vs The Little People at the Millennium Stadium...
Never a real "Friendly", but this is a so-called warm up game for the RWC and both sides contain un-capped and "fringe players" (can't say I'm too impressed with the selection of Ross Moriarty at 6 for Wales as he's played for Satan's XV at Under 20's - he made his choice IMHO). Still, with players looking to book their places in their respective RWC squads, it could well be an exciting game. The stadium roof is to be closed (as (bizarrely) it will during all RWC matches), so certainly not going to be effected by the weather! KO is 13:30 GMT

[PeteC]

Televise start here in Thailand on TRUE 669 at about 1600 for NZ vs Australia, and SAF vs Argentina at about 2200 hours. Pete

[pharvey]

What a cracking game - with the Wallabies taking the Rugby Championship trophy for the first time, deservedly beating the All Blacks by 27-19....... despite the fact referee Wayne Barnes not being able to spot a crooked feed if it bit him on the @rse! Not that the Crims needed to bend the rules as their scrum was impressive throughout.

The win was also made all the more impressive with the fact that 2 Crim players were yellow carded (1 for NZ).

Certainly puts out a big warning to Wales and Satan's XV for the RWC...... as if they weren't already aware!

[PeteC]

I don't know if I hold your same enthusiasm for this one Pharvey. The first half was error filled with passes going everywhere and many dropped balls. I chalked it up to both teams being cold from sitting for the past 2 weeks or so. I then had the thought that their minds weren't really in it, and in World Cup years perhaps this tournament shouldn't be held?

The second half was entertaining but no sign of Ma'a Nonu so I guess his shoulder is still not right. IMO we didn't see the All Black team we're used to, but I'm sure they'll be back.

Didn't watch SAF/ARG so I'll have to catch the replay later today. Pete

[pharvey]

I don't know if I hold your same enthusiasm for this one Pharvey.

Maybe it was a case of I just wanted to see the Blackness beaten for once!!

Yes, lot's of errors - and no great score in the 1st half.... BUT, it was exciting IMO.

[PeteC]

Here's the current BBC write-up:

Rugby Championship: Australia 27-19 New Zealand

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/33834620

[PeteC]

I've only seen the first half of the Arg/SAF match so far and the score at the break was 27-13 out of a final of 37-25, so it seems I've seen the better half? I don't know what to say except Argentina looked good, but perhaps that was because SAF was playing so badly. You have to feel good for Argentina though as the monkey is off their back concerning historically always finishing last.

[dtaai-maai]

pharvey, where's the review of the Wales-Ireland game...?

[PeteC]

^ You're a cruel, cruel man.

[pharvey]

pharvey, where's the review of the Wales-Ireland game...?

Apologies.... have been out burning my rugby top and scarf.

[PeteC]

As I have time I'm going to list the many similarities between American Football and Rugby Union. The more I watch Rugby the more I see how NFL football evolved from Rugby. Anyway.....

Scoring:

NFL touchdown 6 points with 1 extra point if kicked....2 extra points if run or passed. This 2 points is a recent development and not an original feature. The term "touchdown" itself must have come from Rugby, although I haven't verified.

Rugby Union 5 plus 2 kick, same total of 7.

NFL field goal and Rugby drop goal = 3 points


More later.......Pete