The Rugby thread. Union & League

[bigden40]

We still couldn't beat them, at times they were down to fourteen men but as per usual as Scots we totally f*"k up and it's the same old story again and again. Still, Greece and Denmark up next in the football and we still have a chance of winning the group.

We did concede a couple of soft tries, and showed a bit of white line fever at 17-17.  But the reffing was horrendous, breakdown was an utter mess and Nic Berry certainly made sure a shock wasn’t on the cards.

[mr.bluesky]

I know that TNT sport has the tv rights for the Autumn international matches but I'd thought that BBC or ITV could have a highlights show for the forthcoming England v All blacks game  just as TNT have the tv rights for Prem Rugby ITV does have a highlights show during the week .

[scouting]

I know that TNT sport has the tv rights for the Autumn international matches but I'd thought that BBC or ITV could have a highlights show for the forthcoming England v All blacks game  just as TNT have the tv rights for Prem Rugby ITV does have a highlights show during the week .

Fragmentation of sports rights really pisses me off. One platform buys the rights, you sign up, then the rights transfer elsewhere and you have to decide whether to close one account, run 2 or more accounts, or close them all. I've ended up watching at my club which then costs in beer 

[scouting]

Just by the way - my tuppence worth - I'm not a fan of having Union and League on the same thread. They are 2 different games completely, just happen to be played with the same ball on a similar pitch.

[bigden40]

Just by the way - my tuppence worth - I'm not a fan of having Union and League on the same thread. They are 2 different games completely, just happen to be played with the same ball on a similar pitch.

Agree.

Zero interest in league.

[Adoniron]

Agree.

Zero interest in league.

And some have zero interest in yawnion.

[chrishornx]

neither code really big enough to have it's own thread

[timsussex]

Just by the way - my tuppence worth - I'm not a fan of having Union and League on the same thread. They are 2 different games completely, just happen to be played with the same ball on a similar pitch.

I remember, not that many years ago, when a common complaint by union fans was that the league scrum halves never put the ball in straight !

[Adoniron]

I remember, not that many years ago, when a common complaint by union fans was that the league scrum halves never put the ball in straight !

It's true they don't. Scrums in league are uncontested.

[scouting]

I remember, not that many years ago, when a common complaint by union fans was that the league scrum halves never put the ball in straight !

It's true they don't. Scrums in league are uncontested.

I think tim is being ironic. One of the complaints of us old boys in recent years is that the higher standard of Union you play/watch these days, the more feeding of the scrum becomes normal. The law makers have tried to balance safety in the scrum with keeping it a fair contest - they have failed. The way the scrum is fed they might as well have made them uncontested.

[scouting]

And some have zero interest in yawnion.

I get it that if you haven't been brought up with all the nuances of tactics of Union and the fight for supremacy of the various aspects of the game then the set-piece and breakdown will be of little interest. The physicality of the League hits is of course immense and I admire the players. Like I say, they are 2 different sports and the people who watch them usually appreciate the different skills and bravery exhibited. Not suggesting one is superior, just different.

I liken it to cricket. I prefer the ebb and flow of a five day test match to the spectacular hitting of a T20 international, but recognise why some find test matches boring.

[timsussex]

I think tim is being ironic. One of the complaints of us old boys in recent years is that the higher standard of Union you play/watch these days, the more feeding of the scrum becomes normal. The law makers have tried to balance safety in the scrum with keeping it a fair contest - they have failed. The way the scrum is fed they might as well have made them uncontested.

Up until 15 years ago a scrum half was required to feed the ball squarely into the scrum and both hookers usually tried to hook the ball

here is a discussion from 10 years ago
External Link/Members Only

[lewisjones23]

Anyone else going to Twickenham tomorrow for the All Blacks being in town?

Just picked up a ticket on Stubhub so going to head down in the morning.

Should be a great game, England looking strong recently and NZ having a poor'ish year by their standards

[scouting]

Anyone else going to Twickenham tomorrow for the All Blacks being in town?

Just picked up a ticket on Stubhub so going to head down in the morning.

Should be a great game, England looking strong recently and NZ having a poor'ish year by their standards

Good for you mate! I think we have a chance tomorrow (famous last words). Think we would suffer against the power of the Sarff's but your assessment is right re Kiwis. Enjoy yourself.

I was there in 2012 when Tuilagi scored his hat trick.

[scouting]

Up until 15 years ago a scrum half was required to feed the ball squarely into the scrum and both hookers usually tried to hook the ball

here is a discussion from 10 years ago
External Link/Members Only

Fascinating tim. I wonder what Nigel Owen would say today if he listened back to that.

Personally I think Nigel is the best referee we've ever had and is today a good pundit. I think Brian Moore was a great competitor and I respect the fact that he took up refereeing to help his punditry, but don't enjoy his input during a match. However on this matter I think Brian was 100% right and I'm surprised that Nigel was apparently blind to the fact of crooked feeds.

[lewisjones23]

Good for you mate! I think we have a chance tomorrow (famous last words). Think we would suffer against the power of the Sarff's but your assessment is right re Kiwis. Enjoy yourself.

I was there in 2012 when Tuilagi scored his hat trick.

If I remember correctly, NZ were missing a lot usual starters that day but yes, good performance by England that day

Things bubbling along nicely for the next world cup and always good to see Wales doing shite 🤣🤣

[mr.bluesky]

If I remember correctly, NZ were missing a lot usual starters that day but yes, good performance by England that day

Things bubbling along nicely for the next world cup and always good to see Wales doing shite 🤣🤣

With a name of Lewis Jones* I thought you'd be a taff 
* I know it's not your real name

[mr.bluesky]

Great win for England over the All blacks 
Looks like England have finally learned how to close a game out from a winning position.( apart from the odd scare )

[timsussex]

Big half coming up for Wales; 7-7 at half time and Josh Adams on a red so 20 minutes with 14 men

A loss to Japan would take Wales ranking to 13th and would be in the third pot for the World Cup draw so would meet 2 top teams in the group stage with only 2 to go through

[timsussex]

Great idea for Wales to play SA after the international break so several of the best XV were unavailable

73-nil thrashing but I suppose it brought in a few  £££s - though not that many as the stadium was only 2/3rds full

[bigden40]

Great idea for Wales to play SA after the international break so several of the best XV were unavailable

73-nil thrashing but I suppose it brought in a few  £££s - though not that many as the stadium was only 2/3rds full

SA had a few missing too, but strength in depth far superior. 

Welsh scrum an absolute shit show.

[mr.bluesky]

Hats off to the incredible Kevin Sinfield who starts his 7 ultra marathons in 7 days today. He has already raised millions for MND but keeps going to raise more. I have said before if there is anyone more deserving of being given a knighthood then I'd like to know who he is. This is long overdue but Sinfield is the sort of unassuming bloke who just wants to raise money for a worthy cause. I know he was awarded a CBE two years ago and they say he can't be awarded a knighthood within two years so next year he must surely get it.
I have recently read his book " The extra mile" well worth a read even if you're not a Rugby League or Union follower. The bloke is an inspiration

[mr.bluesky]

Sad to see Salford Red Devils Rugby League team have gone into liquidation.It's sad that a club should fold after 152 years of existance but the writting was on the wall for the club during last season with players and staff not getting paid leading to some players leaving the club. Not that you could blame them with families to support and mortgages to be paid.

[Adoniron]

Sad to see Salford Red Devils Rugby League team have gone into liquidation.It's sad that a club should fold after 152 years of existance but the writting was on the wall for the club during last season with players and staff not getting paid leading to some players leaving the club. Not that you could blame them with families to support and mortgages to be paid.

A lot of blame must lie with the RFL who sanctioned the takeover by the latest owners who clearly didn't have the funds to sustain the club.

[mr.bluesky]

A lot of blame must lie with the RFL who sanctioned the takeover by the latest owners who clearly didn't have the funds to sustain the club.

It seems they are as incompetent as the FA when it comes to vetting club owners 

[bigden40]

RWC 2027 draw.

Pool A: Australia (hosts), Hong Kong China, Chile, New Zealand
Pool B: Romania, Georgia, Italy, South Africa
Pool C: Canada, Spain, Fiji, Argentina
Pool D: Portugal, Uruguay, Scotland, Ireland
Pool E: Samoa, USA, Japan, France
Pool F: Zimbabwe, Tonga, Wales, England

[timsussex]

Hats off to the incredible Kevin Sinfield who starts his 7 ultra marathons in 7 days today. He has already raised millions for MND but keeps going to raise more. I have said before if there is anyone more deserving of being given a knighthood then I'd like to know who he is. This is long overdue but Sinfield is the sort of unassuming bloke who just wants to raise money for a worthy cause. I know he was awarded a CBE two years ago and they say he can't be awarded a knighthood within two years so next year he must surely get it.
I have recently read his book " The extra mile" well worth a read even if you're not a Rugby League or Union follower. The bloke is an inspiration

Nice piece on BBC lunchtime news about Sinfield and a young Welsh victimwho died less than a year after diagnosis
He stopped to talk to a young fan and dug into his pockets and gave him the gloves he had been wearing whereupon the fan burst into tears !

some of it is here
External Link/Members Only

[chrishornx]

RWC 2027 draw.

Pool A: Australia (hosts), Hong Kong China, Chile, New Zealand
Pool B: Romania, Georgia, Italy, South Africa
Pool C: Canada, Spain, Fiji, Argentina
Pool D: Portugal, Uruguay, Scotland, Ireland
Pool E: Samoa, USA, Japan, France
Pool F: Zimbabwe, Tonga, Wales, England

very good draw for England

[chrishornx]

Nice piece on BBC lunchtime news about Sinfield and a young Welsh victimwho died less than a year after diagnosis
He stopped to talk to a young fan and dug into his pockets and gave him the gloves he had been wearing whereupon the fan burst into tears !

some of it is here
External Link/Members Only

BBC  have been right behind Sinfield

[timsussex]

very good draw for England

Not so sure I'd go that far
If they win the group they get runner up from B while 4 of the 5 other group winners get 3rd place opponents

Admittedly they avoid SA, NZ and France - if the seedings work out - until the final following a semi against Ireland

[chrishornx]

Not so sure I'd go that far
If they win the group they get runner up from B while 4 of the 5 other group winners get 3rd place opponents

Admittedly they avoid SA, NZ and France - if the seedings work out - until the final following a semi against Ireland

hence why it is favourable as the world top 3 are on the other side of the draw and 2 get knocked out - rather play Italy than have to play 2 of the top 3 . The kiwis could play the Bok in the quarters if form goes to order.

the best other 2 teams in our side of the draw will play each other so that is one more threat eliminated

[chrishornx]

Hats off to the incredible Kevin Sinfield who starts his 7 ultra marathons in 7 days today. He has already raised millions for MND but keeps going to raise more. I have said before if there is anyone more deserving of being given a knighthood then I'd like to know who he is.

measure day what? Amount raised? mile run ?
something else ?

[mr.bluesky]

measure day what? Amount raised? mile run ?
something else ?

His intention like the first time he did this was to raise £77,777 in recognition of Rob's shirt number. He easily passed this first time around raising over £10 million and should do it again this time. Good to see Jessica Ennis joining him today in Sheffield.

[chrishornx]

His intention like the first time he did this was to raise £77,777 in recognition of Rob's shirt number. He easily passed this first time around raising over £10 million and should do it again this time. Good to see Jessica Ennis joining him today in Sheffield.

think he ha raised just over £10m in total for all 5 events.

How about Robbie Williams who has raised £120m +?

[mr.bluesky]

think he ha raised just over £10m in total for all 5 events.

How about Robbie Williams who has raised £120m +?

Certainly both more deserving than David Beckham.

[chrishornx]

Certainly both more deserving than David Beckham.

goes without saying

[Adoniron]

think he ha raised just over £10m in total for all 5 events.

How about Robbie Williams who has raised £120m +?

Both laudable although Sinfield has put in more physical effort and endured more personal hardship.

[mr.bluesky]

Both laudable although Sinfield has put in more physical effort and endured more personal hardship.

100% agree.

[mr.bluesky]

Shaun Wayne has stepped down as England Rugby league coach. No surprise considering their recent 3-0 whitewash by Australia in the recent ashes series and their performance in the last World cup on home soil . With the Rugby league World cup 9 months away it doesn't bode well especially there are no warm up fixtures arranged before the tournament starts which highlights the big difference between League and Union. International Rugby is big in Union but almost ignored in Rugby League.

[Adoniron]

Shaun Wayne has stepped down as England Rugby league coach. No surprise considering their recent 3-0 whitewash by Australia in the recent ashes series and their performance in the last World cup on home soil . With the Rugby league World cup 9 months away it doesn't bode well especially there are no warm up fixtures arranged before the tournament starts which highlights the big difference between League and Union. International Rugby is big in Union but almost ignored in Rugby League.

Thank God for that. Wane is a dinosaur.

[mr.bluesky]

6 nations starts on 5th Feb

Fixtures and tv schedule with kick off times
5th Feb France v Ireland -ITV 8:10pm

7th Feb  Italy v Scotland - BBC 2:10pm
               England v Wales- ITV 4:40pm

14th Feb Ireland v Italy - ITV 2:10pm
                 Scotland v England - ITV 4:40pm
15th Feb  Wales v France BBC 3:10pm

21st Feb      England v Ireland - ITV 2:10pm
                     Wales v Scotland - BBC 4:40pm
 22nd Feb    France v Italy- ITV 3:10pm

6th March   Ireland v Wales - ITV 8:10pm
 7th March  Scotland v France - BBC 2:10pm
                     Italy v England - ITV 4:40pm

14th March   Ireland v Scotland - ITV 2:10pm
                        Wales v Italy - BBC 4:40pm
                        France v England- ITV 8:10pm

On recent form England have a great chance of winning it. I expect a threeway battle between England, France and Ireland for the title , Scotland and Italy behind them. Wales for the wooden spoon ( sorry MissWolf )
     

[timsussex]

6 nations starts on 5th Feb
...

On recent form England have a great chance of winning it. I expect a threeway battle between England, France and Ireland for the title , Scotland and Italy behind them. Wales for the wooden spoon ( sorry MissWolf )
   

Should be a 3 way fight but France have 3 home games inc both Ireland and England s must be favorites

[mr.bluesky]

Should be a 3 way fight but France have 3 home games inc both Ireland and England s must be favorites

France v England could be the decider if England beat Iteland at home 

[Monaco]

France v England could be the decider if England beat Iteland at home 

England will see off Ireland no problem,they'll slip up against the Jocks though.
Has to be France particularly with DuPont back.

[webpunter]

ITV are going to have 2 * 20 second adverts during the matches
A split screen
You can guarantee these will no doubt happen at the very best bits
Wales supporters will be fine as there wont many if any best bits 

[timsussex]

ITV are going to have 2 * 20 second adverts during the matches
A split screen
You can guarantee these will no doubt happen at the very best bits
Wales supporters will be fine as there wont many if any best bits 

 

said to be a trial for soccer world cup

[ulstersubbie]

they'll slip up against the Jocks though.

That would be nice, hope you're right!   

[mr.bluesky]

said to be a trial for soccer world cup

When the USA staged the World cup back in 1994 they wanted the game to be broken up into 4 quarters of 25 mimutes to allow for advert breaks. Fifa ( surprisingly enough) turned them down. I wouldn't be surprised if that idiot Infantino agrees to it if it's mentioned again

[webpunter]

Whose idea to play the opening match on a Thursday ??
Its a ball ache for the paddies who if they want to take in Paris on matchday beers etc realistically have to travel on Wednesday
Then another days work holiday on Friday to get home
I've been to see England in Paris travel Friday match day Saturday travel home the Sunday its a good w/e & Paris becomes of sorts little England, phew TFFT
Must do Italy mates who have done it reckon a banging trip hospitable people the food a great atmosphere & a great city

[mr.bluesky]

Whose idea to play the opening match on a Thursday ??
Its a ball ache for the paddies who if they want to take in Paris on matchday beers etc realistically have to travel on Wednesday
Then another days work holiday on Friday to get home
I've been to see England in Paris travel Friday match day Saturday travel home the Sunday its a good w/e & Paris becomes of sorts little England, phew TFFT
Must do Italy mates who have done it reckon a banging trip hospitable people the food a great atmosphere & a great city

Looks like the Irish team have already been on the beer. France running riot in the first half.