The Rugby Thread

[Takiap]

Well, I think the Bokke did well against the All Blacks but not well enough. My guess is the All Blacks will win the cup now and I think they'll do it quite comfortably.

[pharvey]

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.

I'm glad he is, he's done a great deal for the team and deserves to stay there..... and neither he or Gatland should go to the Devil's Own!!!

[pharvey]

God's Own are in the final after all!!

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/owens-c ... rwc-final/

[PeteC]

^ That's great news. It will make the event even more enjoyable to watch. Pete

[PeteC]

"...........Former Wales international Gerald Davies says New Zealand have opened a "huge" gap over the rest of the rugby world."...............

(VIDEO) http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/34599928

I couldn't agree more with his fifth point. Pete

[PeteC]

Here's an hour and 15 of BBC Radio about the RWC, All Blacks and other. Pete

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p035ygxh

[pharvey]

"...........Former Wales international Gerald Davies says New Zealand have opened a "huge" gap over the rest of the rugby world."...............

(VIDEO) http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/34599928

I couldn't agree more with his fifth point. Pete

It's the fourth point Pete - we have our athletes (the Welsh being some of the fittest around - thanks to Gatland), but it's the off-load. Look at the likes of Sonny Bill Williams, Ma'a Nonu etc. - they are experts at it - this is where we lose out. We have a lot to learn from Rugby League, but at the the time they have a lot to learn from Union.

[EDIT] I remember my father taking to see me to watch Aberavon vs London Welsh when I was 8 or 9 years old. Gerald Davies beat 3 men within a meter of the touch (and 15 to the try-line) to score a try - Welsh rugby was my life after that!! Playing for Porthcawl,Bridgend and Llanelli rugby, I was lucky enough to meet and be taught by some of the stars (whilst very young) - JPR, Ray Gravell (my hero - and sadly departed)...... and believe it or not we had a visit at Porthcawl and The Arms Park from probably the no.1 in the world, Gareth Edwards.

[PeteC]

Have you found a way to watch the final there in mother Russia? Pete

[PeteC]

^^ It's inspiring to see someone with so much devotion to the sport, or to any sport. I'm glad I got involved even at this late date and age. It's given me something new to enjoy and study. Pete

[pharvey]

Have you found a way to watch the final there in mother Russia? Pete

Thankfully, I believe so - I have a working VPN and can get UK TV. As we're 3 hrs ahead, I should be able to watch even though we're working weekends

^^ It's inspiring to see someone with so much devotion to the sport, or to any sport. I'm glad I got involved even at this late date and age. It's given me something new to enjoy and study. Pete

Great to see more people getting involved/watching Rugby Union Pete - For us Welsh, it's pretty much a religion.... perhaps we tend to get a little "over-passionate" though (especially vs Beelzibub's XV) I guess similar to American Football/Baseball for you guys...?

[EDIT] We have a couple of days off here planned later and plan teaching some kids at a local school - hopefully can arrange a game........ where I'll be reffing God help me....

[PeteC]

Sam Burgess: England centre 'considering rugby league return'

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/ ... rt+stories

[Big Boy]

We have a couple of days off here planned later and plan teaching some kids at a local school - hopefully can arrange a game........ where I'll be reffing God help me....

That's fantastic - I think you and the kids will enjoy it. It's a shame nobody bothers here in Hua Hin - great game for developing kids.

[pharvey]

Sam Burgess: England centre 'considering rugby league return'

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/ ... rt+stories

All a bit of a farce really - worse so if actually true!!

He was brought across at huge expense from league and reputedly is being paid £500K a year salary (shared by Bath and the RFU). Not huge money in the "Wendyball League", but one of the very top earners in Rugby Union (and League).

Bath play him in the Backrow, and England/Lancaster select him in the Center - bewildering to say the least.

Without doubt an incredible athlete, but as mentioned in the report, it's complete arrogance (or stupidity) to assume he'll do the same in Rugby Union (in his first season) that he has done in League. Personally I hope he stays with Bath for a few seasons to see how he fairs in Union - still at an age he can go back to League.

That's fantastic - I think you and the kids will enjoy it. It's a shame nobody bothers here in Hua Hin - great game for developing kids.

Thanks for the support - I'm sure we'll all enjoy.... if I can survive!! As I understand it, we've got an Under 8's match, an Under 11's and Under 16's match over 2 days. And I thought I was going to get a rest!..... thankfully we've only planned 15 minutes each-way though (plus some coaching beforehand)!!

Don't think I'd fancy it in Hua Hin though....... I'm more suited to the 2 or 3 deg. C temperature it is here at the moment.

[PeteC]

Trick or Treat is over (thank God). An hour to go to shower and settle down for a night of good rugby, I hope. It should be a hard fought battle for both. Pete

[pharvey]

^ Back at the digs and praying for a decent connection!! A couple of cold beers at the ready and a few sandwiches containing God only knows what...... can't be sure whatever it is is dead!!

Looking forward to a real cracker of a game and a fitting swansong for several players.

Some useless bits of information for you: -

Australia have NEVER lost a Rugby World Cup match on British soil - that includes the 1991 and 1999 tournaments..
NZ have never won the tournament overseas..
Both are going for an unprecedented third title...
Australia have only won once between the two in the last twelve meetings..
Halloween has proved somewhat frightening for Blackness fans over the years - Llanelli's famous 9-3 win over the tourists came on October 31st, as did Newport's 3-0 win in 1968, Munster's 12-0 win in 1978 and their loss to France in the 1999 RWC....... a forgettable day for them indeed!!

Anyway, here's to a great game!