Forum Rugby Club

Right. JWM's not around for a few days, some problems with his modem or something. So.......

Come on The Tigers!
Interesting Heineken Cup draw.......
David

Fascinating game there with the ABs beating the Springboks in the last 10 mins. I thought that up to that point South Africa had successfully frustrated New Zealand, but then Rodney So'oialo went on an amazing run when the 'Boks were in the New Zealand half and that really broke them up and enabled McCaw to score their first try. They added another 3 minutes or so later from Rokocoko and looked the most likely to add more later on.

The Boks were clearly tiring towards the end but gave a good account of themselves. The RWC is going to be fascinating and these two are clear favourites for me.

It'll be interesting to see how the Boks shape up in NZ.

Mark

All a bit nervous in the Jay household this afternoon. Many many mistakes by NZ and the Boks had great defense and took their opportunities well. I thought the Boks had it won to be honest and then NZ put together 20 min of excellent relentless attacking rugby - nice one.

Lots of work on both sides and it looks to be a great Tri-Nations tournament!

quote:

Originally posted by Jay:
Lots of work on both sides and it looks to be a great Tri-Nations tournament!

It usually is Jay and, national pride and passion aside, is usually more exciting than the Six Nations with a far higher standard of rugby being played. This one might have been a bit more interesting competition if SA had won though.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by Chillkram:

quote:

Originally posted by Jay:
Lots of work on both sides and it looks to be a great Tri-Nations tournament!

It usually is Jay and, national pride and passion aside, is usually more exciting than the Six Nations with a far higher standard of rugby being played. This one might have been a bit more interesting competition if SA had won though.

Mark

I'm afraid I have to agree with you on the recent 6 nation tourneys. The wife and I have been to quite a few 6 nations games and whilst the atmosphere is absolutely amazing the rugby sometimes less so.

Both Australia and SA are great teams and when it comes to the World Cup, well you only need to lose one game. NZ can definitely lose and the tops teams win on the day.

I would be happy to see NZ lose the tri-nations and be hungry for success coming into the World Cup. Might take the pressure off a tad too and they were showing it in the first half - big time!

Jay

I know it's in Europe and all that, but as England don't stand a chance this year I'd really like to see the ABs win the World Cup. They're so often the favourites and the best team and don't win it (inaugural competition aside) that it's about time.

Rugby needs a successful All Blacks. I'll be rooting for them this year (after England of course!)

Regards

Mark

I'd like to see them win too!

Agreed - the ABs are so often the best team - and don't win, SA being the best example.

The ABs were always going to win. They just had to wait till the final quarter. That is when really great sides start to play. The Boks are strong at home, but will not do well in the World Cup.

David

quote:

Originally posted by David Sutton:
The ABs were always going to win.
David

Nice enthusiasm! I just hope they can play the full 80 minutes mistake free!

Thanks PJT. The ABs are a really great side, but how many of them were born in New Zealand?

David

You work it out yourself here .

Or.....I could tell you

25 of the 34.

Different stream of thought - Are the 6 Nations teams fielding B sides in order to preserve their top players for the RWC?

What do you think of this idea??

quote:

Originally posted by PJT:
- Are the 6 Nations teams fielding B sides in order to preserve their top players for the RWC?

No. Just to save the embarassment of the 'A' teams being walloped!

Mark

Fantastic All Black haka just performed for the Aussies. Waltzing Matilda reply.....cheers to a good game.

Crikey, the Aussies did well there. They kept the ABs out and were under the cosh for much of the game without particularly looking like conceding a try. Then a couple of fantastic tries with Stirling Mortlock playing a real captain's role won them the game.

Looks like the Tri-Nations could be a little less predictable than originally...erm.....predicted!

Mark

great game wasn't it Mark. AB's made too many mistakes and I think they'll feel they missed out on 2 tries because of them. but the games not about could haves. the wallabies turned up big time with some renewed confidence and the mortlock try was excellent!

Fascinating Jay. I think the Aussies forced the errors, though, and the NZ off-loading was under more pressure than usual. Subsequently, passes were going astray and balls being dropped.

It looks as though the RWC winners will come from the south as usual!

Mark

well the errors I was specifically thinking of were in the back line and under no immediate pressure. one close to the try line and the other a bit further out. doesn't matter anyway does it - the aussies scored more points!

it's good for the ab's to lose to be honest. there is so much pressure on the team at home and the players will know what it feels like to lose and build that hunger, basically like england had before the last wc.

great tournament though. fantastic prep for all teams.

...Each to their own sports I guess ......but is anyone else wondering if The Dallas Cowboys can solve their quarterback dilemma next season and finally return to their 80's/90's heyday ......?

...The NFL ...the game rugby could have been ......

quote:

Originally posted by Jet Johnson:
...The NFL ...the game rugby could have been ......

....if we lived in some hellish parallel universe!

quote:

Originally posted by Chillkram:

quote:

Originally posted by Jet Johnson:
...The NFL ...the game rugby could have been ......

....if we lived in some hellish parallel universe!

quote:

Originally posted by Chillkram:
Right. JWM's not around for a few days, some problems with his modem or something. So.......

I'm back ... Grrr!!!

James

Bugger! Caught out!