The Rugby Thread

[pharvey]

Mind Games:

Six Nations 2016: Ireland are favourites - Wales' Gatland

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/35357707

Of course the mind games will start, but quite frankly not many will bet against Ireland..... actually a difficult bet for any this year - aside from Italy (apologies to any Pasta Munchers), I don't think you can write any team off. Will be a very interesting tournament methinks.... Not happy to be playing the Little People away in our first game.....

[PeteC]

This is a shocker, at least for me. The article says however the chances are slim it will happen....but you never know. Pete

Toulon: Top 14 side ask to move to Premiership

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/35373615

[pharvey]

This is a shocker, at least for me. The article says however the chances are slim it will happen....but you never know. Pete

Toulon: Top 14 side ask to move to Premiership

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/35373615

Interesting, but just can't see it happening - far too many complications, not to mention the RFU's "Salary Cap" would certainly not support the current Toulon squad.

Another question would be how England's "foreign based" players would be effected. Would the likes of Armitage be eligible for selection if Toulon played in the Premiership?

[pharvey]

Dylan Hartley confirmed as England captain.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35399734

"Dylan is an honest, hard-working bloke and I admire his aggressive and uncompromising approach to playing rugby," said England coach Eddie Jones.

Ahem..... Yeah, course he is Eddie..

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[sfs]

I wonder if Eddie Jones will live to regret that statement!

[pharvey]

I wonder if Eddie Jones will live to regret that statement!

The quote, very possibly - and it's a very risky selection IMHO. That said, he has every so slightly more coaching and selection experience than me!!

It really is going to go one of two ways - either all goes "Pear-Shaped" as he won't control his aggression and somewhat illegal activity around the field....... OR the Captaincy gives him the responsibility sorely needed to "control" his temperament.

I wouldn't hold my breath though - whilst he led Northampton Saints to the Championship a couple of years ago, he certainly still had his issues with the "legality" of the game!!

I think Eddie Jones will do big things for England. As in the report, he certainly wants an aggressive pack - that might just come back to bite him on the @rse though!!

Yes, you want aggression - but also skill and some IQ....

[PeteC]

My first thought is "I'll have to keep an eye on him during televised 6 Nation matches...." Unfortunately that's what the commentators will be doing as well and we're probably in store for microscopic examination with every play above and beyond what the Ref may do. It may be like watching Tyson fight to see if he'll bite another ear, or Joey Barton's football, or Sanchez's football. I wish him well and hope he's turned a corner....we'll see. Pete

[arcadianagain]

On the other hand the spotlight might shine on those intent on trying to provoke Hartley with illegal moves.

[pharvey]

On the other hand the spotlight might shine on those intent on trying to provoke Hartley with illegal moves.

Quite possibly.... and why not: -

"Bookmaker William Hill, and they don’t get it wrong too often, have priced him at 2/1 to be sin-binned during the Six Nations and 16/1 to be sent off."

[PeteC]

Technical questions:

1) On the kickoff after a score, does the ball have to travel a minimum distance to be legal?

2) Regardless of distance, does the first touch have to be made by the receiving team, or can a defender field it if he is fast enough?

Pete

[pharvey]

Technical questions:

1) On the kickoff after a score, does the ball have to travel a minimum distance to be legal?

Any "Kickoff" must travel 10 M - there are lines marked either side of the "Half-way". If the ball does not cross this line, there is a scrummage on the "Half-way" and the receiving team given the ball.

2) Regardless of distance, does the first touch have to be made by the receiving team, or can a defender field it if he is fast enough?

It's a "Free for all" - anybody's ball basically. What many try to do is make the kick high to give your players time to get into a position to try and win the ball.

[PeteC]

Thanks , clarifies some things. Pete

[arcadianagain]

Thanks , clarifies some things. Pete

And the ball must not go directly into touch, ie it must touch the ground first

[PeteC]

That's a shame, but at age 36 I guess it's a crap shoot concerning when the Doc will tell you to quit.

Paul O'Connell: Irish legend retires on medical advice

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35530075

[PeteC]

EDIT: Moved to 6 Nation's thread.