The Rugby Thread

[pharvey]

I really like Nigel Owens and hope he's given the Final. Clear, concise style and no nonsense tolerated. Am I in the majority or minority in liking this guy? Pete

I'm absolutely sure you'll be in the majority - a very well respected ref. Certainly has great communication with the players, and does come out with some classics... Without doubt the top ref. in the world IMHO.

[PeteC]

^ Yes, and he wears his hard won rugby ear(s) with pride!

Was he a known name during his playing days? Pete

[pharvey]

Was he a known name during his playing days? Pete

Not to my knowledge - as far as I know he played amateur level for a Welsh club side - something like Tycroes RFC as he was born down that way (near Llanelli)..... I'm sure the names will mean a lot to you!!

[dtaai-maai]

I think most of the RU refs start out on that path quite early in life, and I doubt many, if any, pro players in rugby (or football, come to that) go on to become professional refs.
Cricket would be the exception to that, as umpiring is a fairly sedate activity!

[pharvey]

And Semi-final Weekend is upon us..

Unfortunately no representation from the Northern Hemisphere..

But then again, that's mostly down to English and South African refs!!

Would like to see the Bokke and the Corned Beef Brigade go through, but unfortunately unlikely on both counts. The Blackness have had (as per the norm ) a gifted and easy ride through the Pool Stages, whilst others (with the exception of Argentina perhaps) have had a hard ride. Why are NZ always gifted a Quarter Final place? They are the best in the world, they don't need a helping hand.

As God's own are out, I shall be supporting the Jaarpies, and would love to see them in the final with the Fauklander Wannabes... We shall see!!

[arcadianagain]

It was pointed out me that NZ really are All Blacks inasmuch as they all wear black boots as opposed to the multicoloured footware of all the others. Just a trivial fact.

[dtaai-maai]

It was pointed out me that NZ really are All Blacks inasmuch as they all wear black boots as opposed to the multicoloured footware of all the others. Just a trivial fact.

Only since the start of the World Cup, I think. I expect they're being very well paid to do so!

boots.jpg (9.52 KiB) Viewed 651 times

[arcadianagain]

I have to admit that the technicalities at the breakdown are a bit of a mystery to me. No handling in the ruck? How come some players than come away with the ball in hand? It used to be that if you fell on the ball the arriving opposition forwards (mainly NZ) would simply boot you out of the way.

[JimmyGreaves]

Come on the Kiwis!!!

[PeteC]

What can you say about that match, a battle of titans. There were numerous stories yesterday about NZ having problems in the wet and it appeared they were correct. The final may indeed be an easier match than today's. Pete

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/34594462

[pharvey]

A truly brutal game, The Blackness at their "Professionally Fouling" best - will McCaw get cited for his blatant "elbow" on Louw?

Feeding at the scrum from both teams was ridiculous - this has got to be sorted out/reffed correctly. The Scrum-halves were literally feeding their Second-rows!!

I was amazed at the amount of penalties NZ gave away, but at the same time how well they did against the SA lineout.

Indeed, I can see NZ having an easier time of it in the final regardless of who gets through today. Unfortunately I'm travelling to Russia, so will miss the match

[PeteC]

I'm sure people watch and probably play rugby in Russia. I would think the final would be available on some source there? Pete

[arcadianagain]

I agree about feeding the scrum, it has been going on for a long time, hookers are not needed to hook any more. On the other hand straight lineouts are strictly adhered to.

[redzonerocker]

Have to agree with the points in the above posts.
The pen count for NZ was astronomical by their standards.

The game itself was a lot closer than I expected, the pen count and some dogged S African defending accounting for that.

Yes, scrums have become a bit of a joke and it's not only the put in that's the problem.
It's surprising there aren't more injuries with some of the pulling downs, turnings and collapses that are deliberately instigated.

Line outs do need a bit of a look as well.
There's throwing straight and there's throwing straight to your side, a fine line quite often between the two

[JimmyGreaves]

Just a note on the previous 'Public House Talk'

Rugby World Cup 2015: Schmidt says he will remain Ireland coach - http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/34627049

Looking forward to tonight's game and hoping that Argentina give us an open expansive game and stiffle the Aussies. No rain forcast.