Rugby World Cup 2011 - New Zealand

[pharvey]

Wales slip down the rankings...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_u ... 442324.stm

Bollocks really............

[redzonerocker]

Bollocks really............

Yep, don't really make much sense

Just as ridiculous is the fine handed out to the French for breaching 'cultural ritual protocol' when facing down the Haka

[dtaai-maai]

Just as ridiculous is the fine handed out to the French for breaching 'cultural ritual protocol' when facing down the Haka

Please tell me you're kidding!!

[pharvey]

Just as ridiculous is the fine handed out to the French for breaching 'cultural ritual protocol' when facing down the Haka

Please tell me you're kidding!!

Yeah, there really are some complete dullards in the IRB - All over some nonsense about not crossing the 10m line in your half of the field...... 2.5 grand fine for challenging the Haka!! WTF is the Haka - IT IS A F***ING CHALLENGE!! I would think the majority of Kiwis actually appreciate the challenge/acceptance of the Haka challenge - mark of respect in my book.

[redzonerocker]

Please tell me you're kidding!!

Unfortunately not
It's in various media outlets but here is the local one.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/france-rugby- ... d=10761451

Hopefully the IRB will see sense when they make their final decision this week

[pharvey]

Some fairly nasty rumours and accusations flying around regarding the French team - if true, they really are some sad feckers......

French players refused to shake hands with the new Zealand players after the World Cup Final.

Unnamed French player spat at a New Zealand journalist after the final.

Another unnamed French player slapped a New Zealand journalist after the final.

After an ''incident'' a number of French players refused service at a bar prior to the IRB awards - several female bar staff in tears.

Headbutt and Gouging.....?

[JimmyGreaves]

How to take on the Haka, Ireland 1989. Looking back very funny now.

[caller]

Richard Cockerill v tha haka

[pharvey]

Obviously I'm biased, but this was superb!!

How to take on the Haka, Ireland 1989. Looking back very funny now.

Split on this one - personally I'm leaning towards a little too aggressive and possibly not respecting the Haka.... on the other hand, shove it in their face and have the buggers!! That sh*te however probably lead us to where we are today where the opposing team has to remain on their own 10m line (look where Wales are in the video). Also note that the same law does not apply to NZ....... crock of shite - if we cannot accept the challenge, one should not be allowed to be made. For the love of all things good, stop the b*ll*cks!!

I for one love the Haka, love rugby, love the rugby environment..... please, all idiots, politically correct @rsewipes and other generally unliked money grabbing pr*cks.... p*ss off and leave a decent sport alone.

Fallen off soapbox.........

[dtaai-maai]

Also note that the same law does not apply to NZ....... crock of shite - if we cannot accept the challenge, one should not be allowed to be made.

And unfortunately I think that is where it may all end up, desperate shame though it would be.
Yes, the opposition team should respect the Haka, but just how meek and passive are they supposed to be? That mute Welsh response in the clip above was terrific - who'll blink first? But I do believe I saw the ref trying to shepherd a couple of Welsh players back 12 inches to the 10-yard line while the entire AB side are lined up on half way! Nonsense.
Perhaps both teams should be ordered to remain in their respective 22s and issued with binoculars.


I watched that eye-gouging clip earlier. That was disgraceful. Cited or not, he should be punished. He should also be shamed into apologising, if he hasn't already.

[Terry]

................... For the love of all things good, stop the b*ll*cks!!

I for one love the Haka, love rugby, love the rugby environment..... please, all idiots, politically correct @rsewipes and other generally unliked money grabbing pr*cks.... p*ss off and leave a decent sport alone.

Fallen off soapbox.........

Nice one - couldn't agree more

[Arcadian]

[quote="pharvey"]Obviously I'm biased, but this was superb!!

What was the result?

[pharvey]

Obviously I'm biased, but this was superb!!

What was the result?

Ahem...... we lost

You can be a b@st@rd sometimes Arcadian.....

[MrPlum]

Always felt the Haka was not just a challenge but a great spectacle for the audience. Efforts to respond always seem lame in comparison. What can oppositions do that would be fitting? There's nothing in our culture that seems appropriate.

How about the national anthems, also? England's is seriously tedious. I'm sure the Royals would appreciate something more uplifting.

[pharvey]

Always felt the Haka was not just a challenge but a great spectacle for the audience. Efforts to respond always seem lame in comparison. What can oppositions do that would be fitting? There's nothing in our culture that seems appropriate.

How about the national anthems, also? England's is seriously tedious. I'm sure the Royals would appreciate something more uplifting.

Christ Mr P, we'll have to stop agreeing like this!!

The Haka obviously gives the AB players a ''lift'' and is something to be very proud of. Similarly from my point of view, the Welsh national anthem does give our players a lift for very much the same reasons - why are we never allowed to respond to the Haka with our anthem? It has been requested and refused on many occasions......

Oh,I forgot... how could I? What exactly is the English national anthem by the way? I'm sure you know the British one................. WTF would you be proud of a national anthem when you don't even know it.......?