The '09/10 Rugby Thread

[mattie]

Fucking hell! A culture of drugtaking at established English club, Bath RFC. What about the pool balls, that's what I want to know!

Grow up Bendy, ffs. It's getting a bit tired now.

 

[bendeus]

'Ark at 'er! Time of the month, ducks?

 

[mattie]

Zing. It's all about the Henson, even when it's nothing to do with the Henson.

Speaking of the more hormonal gender, how long exactly do you bear grudges for? You're worse than the missus.

Anyway, rumour has it Crockett is off to play in France, which we can only assume is because the long arm of the (rugby) law won't reach him there. Rumour and counter-rumour goes that some of the Bath players were the ones to raise the whole issue, Harrison getting a mention which is allegedly why he quit. Can't see that being good for squad morale. No idea myself, as everyone involved has shut up shop, but pleased there's some motion to sorting it out.

Don't think this is FAQ-busting, as not strictly a court case, but definitely all rumour, hearsay and speculation.

 

[bendeus]

Zing. It's all about the Henson, even when it's nothing to do with the Henson.

I was just having a bit of a poke, Mattie. Don't you find it ironic that, after the rather rigid stance you took wrt to a certain individual's behaviour on these boards, your club has gone into meltdown, with very serious allegations being levelled at playing staff? This far more grave issue - and one with serious implications for the English game - has elicited far fewer column inches, interest, speculation, threads, posts and hand-wringing 'wherefore art thou' articles, however. I find that interesting.

Speaking of the more hormonal gender, how long exactly do you bear grudges for? You're worse than the missus.

Bloody hell! Didn't realise I'd managed to estabish meself as an interweb grudge holder. I'll have to work harder at obsessively following you round the boards throwing wild accusations and spitting dummies.

Anyway, rumour has it Crockett is off to play in France, which we can only assume is because the long arm of the (rugby) law won't reach him there. Rumour and counter-rumour goes that some of the Bath players were the ones to raise the whole issue, Harrison getting a mention which is allegedly why he quit. Can't see that being good for squad morale. No idea myself, as everyone involved has shut up shop, but pleased there's some motion to sorting it out.

I'm genuinely sad to see what's happening there. As I said last year, Bath played some of the best rugby I've seen live this year. They are/were a good side who played the game the right way. Pity they then went and whacked big, fat lines up their noses of an evening.

 

[Mr Retro]

Come on Mattie. Grudges in rugby are forever! Be no good otherwise.

Those who start taking the slagging seriously will be made down a pint in one, through a props sock.

See, cliches are forever too

 

[mattie]

(snip)

In things actually worthy of discusssion, Bath have just signed Luke Watson from Western Province. I know nothing about him other than some verbal jousting with the Saffa RU along with his dad, Cheeky. A good player, by all accounts, but it might be a bit much to expect a completely new back row (assuming we get another 6 in) to gel from the off. I expect a stumbling start to the season, sadly tainted by the other 2 involved being outed and sacked.

If it's Abendanon, Claassens, Banahan or Mears I'm tearing up the season ticket. I'm happy to see we're clearing out the 'rotten core', but it would be heartbreaking to see the heart of the team broken.

 

[Mr Retro]

Just noticed Ireland A battered the fuck out of England A in the Churchill Cup last night.

This means an Irish team has won everything they were involved in this year at representative level:

A grand slam winning Six Nations
Churchill Cup
European Cup
Magniers League

I remember a time after losing run of dysmal performances when Nick Popplewell was crying with emotion coming off the pitch having managed to beat Scotland.

 

[Juice Terry]

Yeah I watched that last night, battered they certainly were, painful to watch as an england fan.

Also noticed this incident in NZ where Basteraud got his head kicked in saturday night

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/jun/22/bastareaud-assault-wellington-france-new-zealand

What the fuck is wrong with these kiwi fans these days, chucking beer and jeering while Trin Duc kicked last week and then pelting the french with beer bottles after the game. Not to mention death threats against Wayne Barnes after they lost the RWC QF.

A mate of mine went to watch England play in Dunedin back in 04 and came home vowing never to go to NZ again after the abuse he was subjected to during and after the game.

Doesn't bode well for a happy world cup in 2011 especially if the All Blacks don't fulfill their god given right to win.

 

[mattie]

Bath have signed Julian Salvi - completely new back row, Luke Watson, Salvi and Skirving (not sure if Watson or Salvi will go openside).

I have nothing to add as I know precious little about any of them, but looking forward to seeing how they get on - Meehan has made very few false moves in team building, even Harrison had ability even if he was a prize one.

Also noticed this incident in NZ where Basteraud got his head kicked in saturday night

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/jun/22/bastareaud-assault-wellington-france-new-zealand

What the fuck is wrong with these kiwi fans these days, chucking beer and jeering while Trin Duc kicked last week and then pelting the french with beer bottles after the game. Not to mention death threats against Wayne Barnes after they lost the RWC QF.

A mate of mine went to watch England play in Dunedin back in 04 and came home vowing never to go to NZ again after the abuse he was subjected to during and after the game.

Doesn't bode well for a happy world cup in 2011 especially if the All Blacks don't fulfill their god given right to win.

I was in Sydney in 2000 for a Bledisloe cup game, it got a little bit tasty in a few bars. The kiwis really were angry, even though they won an awesome game at the death. Not really sure why, although the ozzies were doing the usual trick of pretending not to care.

As an aside, I won a raffle at my work (citibank) for the right to buy two tickets to that game. I didn't take it up as I didn't have the cash, having just paid a deposit on my flat. I regret it to this day, I could have sold my walkman or something.

 

[Juice Terry]

although the ozzies were doing the usual trick of pretending not to care.

The ozzies are probably the best, most gracious losers I've ever come across, I was at the RWC final in Sydney and they were literally lining the ramps on the way out of the stadium shaking our hands and congratulating us.

Later that night I ended up worse for wear in some dodgy bar in Kings Cross and had to endure a couple of NZ fans explain to me that the world cup win was meaningless as we hadn't beaten the All Blacks I took great pleasure in the fact that they'd spent a fortune traveling over from NZ for the final, having booked before NZ got knocked out

 

[Juice Terry]

wtf it now turns out Basteraud was lying about the attack all along what an idiot

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/feedarticle/8576390

Maybe the kiwis aren't so bad after all

 

[bendeus]

wtf it now turns out Basteraud was lying about the attack all along what an idiot

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/feedarticle/8576390

Maybe the kiwis aren't so bad after all

What a silly, silly boy. No doubt that the Kiwis behaved like a bunch of utter cunts in the first test; throwing bottles at players, FFS, but Bastardo really hasn't done a great deal for Franco-Kiwi relations with his little fabrication. Should be dropped from the squad as an example, IMO.

 

[Infidel Castro]

I'm yet to work out a drinking route to get to the new Leckwith ground to see the Blues. Thinking of sticking with the Cayo Arms and piling in a taxi to get there, but that'd be silly probably. Thing is, Canton hasn't got many good boozers. Thinking of trying The Chapter though. Could be an interesting start point.

 

[bendeus]

I'm yet to work out a drinking route to get to the new Leckwith ground to see the Blues. Thinking of sticking with the Cayo Arms and piling in a taxi to get there, but that'd be silly probably. Thing is, Canton hasn't got many good boozers. Thinking of trying The Chapter though. Could be an interesting start point.

What about the Cornwall in Grangetown? Always used to go there for drinkies prior to games at NP. Decent enough boozer.

 

[Infidel Castro]

That's a fair call. I live in Vic Park, but the Vic is shite I reckon. The Clive is as well. I'm not overly happy with the move of venue as it is, but the disruption to the drinking arrangement is what upsets me most.

 

[bendeus]

Bit out of your way, then. Reckon Chapter may be the best call. That's the worst thing about the move to Leckwith (well, one of the worst; the massive rental and unrealistic business model which may end up bankrupting the club are also concerns), the fact that at CAP there was a host of pre-match drinking establishments to choose from. Now, you're limited to the shite ones along Cowbridge Road, the (heaven forfend) Ninian Park, or the Cornwall. Why the fuck would a club want to exchange a prime, city centre ground for which they're paying very little for a venue on the edge of town that will, in the main, be half empty?

Anyways, we've been through this before on these boards. A shit idea which will bite the Blues on the arse.

 

[Infidel Castro]

I'm just praying that Peter Thomas has left an out in the contract that allows a safe retreat to the Arms if it all goes tits up. He's quite canny to be fair...

 

[bendeus]

I'm just praying that Peter Thomas has left an out in the contract that allows a safe retreat to the Arms if it all goes tits up. He's quite a greedy spiv, to be fair...

He hasn't, AFAIK

Oh, and fixed for you

 

[sleaterkinney]

Just noticed Ireland A battered the fuck out of England A in the Churchill Cup last night.

We've got some good talent coming through, Devin Toner, Fergus McFadden and Felix Jones look like great prospects

This means an Irish team has won everything they were involved in this year at representative level:

A grand slam winning Six Nations
Churchill Cup
European Cup
Magniers League

Bow down to the green rugby machine people. Bow down!.

 

[mattie]

Even though you're all bored of me gabbing on about Bath, I'll carry on regardless.

We've just signed Matt Carraro, a big bugger of a back who plays wing or centre (where he'll no doubt end up).

He can kick, which - as with Olly Barkley - hopefully means Butch James will never have to place kick again. Ever.

 

[bendeus]

We've got some good talent coming through, Devin Toner, Fergus McFadden and Felix Jones look like great prospects
Bow down to the green rugby machine people. Bow down!.

Won't be that many people bowing down to Onan or POC after the Lions tour.

 

[sleaterkinney]

Won't be that many people bowing down to Onan or POC after the Lions tour.

ROFG will be past tense soon enough, Sexton should get a runout next season.

 

[slaar]

Just noticed Ireland A battered the fuck out of England A in the Churchill Cup last night.

This means an Irish team has won everything they were involved in this year at representative level:

A grand slam winning Six Nations
Churchill Cup
European Cup
Magniers League

I remember a time after losing run of dysmal performances when Nick Popplewell was crying with emotion coming off the pitch having managed to beat Scotland.

Your fly half lost us the Lions series though, didn't he...

 

[Red Faction]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/worcester/8127577.stm

horsman retires with neck injury
poor sod

with regards to the amazing ireland A team

we had a 'golden generation' before and had only a decade of occasional triple crowns to show for it until now
dont get too excited, fair play to johnny sexton
but the other lads need to properly muscle their way into the starting XVs rather than coming on with the last 20 to spare

 

[bendeus]

horsman retires with neck injury
poor sod

I know. Will always be remembered for the expression on his face when he scored for us against England

Leaves both Wales and the Os in deep shit for TH cover. Adam looks like he could be out for 3-9 months. That means Rhys Thomas for the AIs and possibly the 6N. I truly hope that after his performances in a Lions shirt, and after the average rugby-watching muppet sees how badly our scrum goes without 'lazy, fat' Adam Jones in it during the 6N that the guy will finally get the plaudits he so richly deserves.

 

[Mr Retro]

Won't be that many people bowing down to Onan or POC after the Lions tour.

Not ROG for sure but Kearney, Bowe and the renaissance of BOD.

Paul will be a proper force in the Heineken Cup and 6 nations next seasonagain next year, don't be in any doubt about that. Then there is the emergence of Fitzgerald and to a lesser extent Earls.

Put them in with Tomas O Leary, Donacha, and an embarrassment of backrow talent and Ireland have a serious team.

We need props though. Time for the eventually injury free 6' 5'' 20+ stone Tony Buckley to make the step up perhaps?

 

[Mr Retro]

ROFG will be past tense soon enough, Sexton should get a runout next season.

And Niall O'Connor too. I think he is still only 22 and starting to play really well for Ulster.

 

[Infidel Castro]

He hasn't, AFAIK

Oh, and fixed for you

Nice work squire!

 

[Infidel Castro]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/worcester/8127577.stm

horsman retires with neck injury
poor sod

with regards to the amazing ireland A team

we had a 'golden generation' before and had only a decade of occasional triple crowns to show for it until now
dont get too excited, fair play to johnny sexton
but the other lads need to properly muscle their way into the starting XVs rather than coming on with the last 20 to spare

He wants to ref! It'll be good to see a front row player take up the reins and ref the scrums properly. We'll learn the truth at last!

 

[mattie]

Celtic Crusaders interested in Henson.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/crusaders-linked-with-henson-move-1737771.html

I suspect many rugby teams would be interested in Henson, not just those from the faulty code, but there you go.