Super Rugby Round #13
Well, we're down to only three players. I'll let it run as only a month left plus playoffs. It's been a strange season due to all the players off due to injury and/or being rested for the RWC.
This week 16 - 8 - 4 for Pete, Big Boy, Pharvey. Total points 89.99 - 71.83 - 52.16
The Rugby Thread
Re: The Rugby Thread
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Super Rugby Round #14 (Local & Thai time)
Fri 17 May: Hurricanes v Jaguares @Westpac Stadium, Wellington (19:35 - 14:35)
Fri 17 May: Rebels v Bulls @ AAMI Park, Melbourne (19:45 - 16:45)
Sat 18 May: Blues v Chiefs @ Eden Park, Auckland (19:35 - 14:35)
Sat 18 May: Reds v Waratahs @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (19:45 - 16:45)
Sat 18 May: Lions v Highlanders @ Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg (15:05 - 20:05)
Sat 18 May: Stormers v Crusaders @ DHL Newlands, Cape Town (17:15 - 22:15)
Bye: Brumbies, Sharks, Sunwolves
Fri 17 May: Hurricanes v Jaguares @Westpac Stadium, Wellington (19:35 - 14:35)
Fri 17 May: Rebels v Bulls @ AAMI Park, Melbourne (19:45 - 16:45)
Sat 18 May: Blues v Chiefs @ Eden Park, Auckland (19:35 - 14:35)
Sat 18 May: Reds v Waratahs @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (19:45 - 16:45)
Sat 18 May: Lions v Highlanders @ Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg (15:05 - 20:05)
Sat 18 May: Stormers v Crusaders @ DHL Newlands, Cape Town (17:15 - 22:15)
Bye: Brumbies, Sharks, Sunwolves
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Re: The Rugby Thread
'No choice': Israel Folau's contract terminated in landmark verdict
https://au.sports.yahoo.com/israel-fola ... 18644.html
Wallabies superstar Israel Folau has had his four-year, $4 million contract with Rugby Australia terminated because of his controversial social media posts about gays and other so-called “sinners” he believes are destined for hell.
A three-person independent panel announced their verdict on Friday – 10 days after deciding Folau had committed a “high-level” breach of RA’s professional players’ code of conduct.
‘SOMEONE FORGOT’: Startling new claims of Folau contract ‘bungle’
The Wallabies’ only three-times player of the year and Super Rugby’s all-time leading try-scorer has 72 hours to appeal and force the governing body into proceeding with a second code of conduct hearing.
After being formally warned last year for similar anti-gay posts, Folau took to Instragram last year proclaiming homosexuals and other so-called “sinners” were destined for hell unless they repented.
Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said it was a sad day for Australian rugby but that Folau had left the governing body with no alternative than to seek termination of his contract.
“We want to stress that this outcome is a painful situation for the game,” Castle said on Friday.
“Rugby Australia did not choose to be in this situation, but Rugby Australia’s position remains that Israel, through his actions, left us with no choice but to pursue this course of action.
“This has been an extremely challenging period for Rugby and this issue has created an unwanted distraction in an important year for the sport and for the Wallabies team.
“But our clear message to all Rugby fans today is that we need to stand by our values and the qualities of inclusion, passion, integrity, discipline, respect and teamwork.
“I’ve communicated directly with the players to make it clear that Rugby Australia fully supports their right to their own beliefs and nothing that has happened changes that.
“But when we are talking about inclusiveness in our game, we’re talking about respecting differences as well.
“When we say rugby is a game for all, we mean it. People need to feel safe and welcomed in our game regardless of their gender, race, background, religion, or sexuality.
“We thank the tribunal panel for their decision and we respect the time, consideration and expertise the panel members brought to this process.
“Representing Australia and all Australians on the Rugby field is a privilege.
“Selection is dependent upon a player’s ability to contribute to the Wallabies, and the game of Rugby itself, in a positive and consistent manner both on and off the field.
“When players sign a contract with the Wallabies, they sign up to the values of the team and the sport.”
Castle commended Folau as a “great rugby player”.
“We are disappointed and saddened by the fact that he will not see out his four-year commitment to the Wallabies and Waratahs,” she said.
Since announcing Folau’s breach on May 7, the panel had been considering written submissions from both the player’s legal team and Rugby Australia.
Folau has 72 hours to appeal and force a second code of conduct hearing, meaning the most divisive matter in Australia could drag on for weeks and months yet.
However The Telegraph reported on Friday that Folau is almost certain to skip another code of conduct hearing and take the matter straight to the Supreme Court, a move that could spell financial disaster for RA.
https://au.sports.yahoo.com/israel-fola ... 18644.html
Wallabies superstar Israel Folau has had his four-year, $4 million contract with Rugby Australia terminated because of his controversial social media posts about gays and other so-called “sinners” he believes are destined for hell.
A three-person independent panel announced their verdict on Friday – 10 days after deciding Folau had committed a “high-level” breach of RA’s professional players’ code of conduct.
‘SOMEONE FORGOT’: Startling new claims of Folau contract ‘bungle’
The Wallabies’ only three-times player of the year and Super Rugby’s all-time leading try-scorer has 72 hours to appeal and force the governing body into proceeding with a second code of conduct hearing.
After being formally warned last year for similar anti-gay posts, Folau took to Instragram last year proclaiming homosexuals and other so-called “sinners” were destined for hell unless they repented.
Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said it was a sad day for Australian rugby but that Folau had left the governing body with no alternative than to seek termination of his contract.
“We want to stress that this outcome is a painful situation for the game,” Castle said on Friday.
“Rugby Australia did not choose to be in this situation, but Rugby Australia’s position remains that Israel, through his actions, left us with no choice but to pursue this course of action.
“This has been an extremely challenging period for Rugby and this issue has created an unwanted distraction in an important year for the sport and for the Wallabies team.
“But our clear message to all Rugby fans today is that we need to stand by our values and the qualities of inclusion, passion, integrity, discipline, respect and teamwork.
“I’ve communicated directly with the players to make it clear that Rugby Australia fully supports their right to their own beliefs and nothing that has happened changes that.
“But when we are talking about inclusiveness in our game, we’re talking about respecting differences as well.
“When we say rugby is a game for all, we mean it. People need to feel safe and welcomed in our game regardless of their gender, race, background, religion, or sexuality.
“We thank the tribunal panel for their decision and we respect the time, consideration and expertise the panel members brought to this process.
“Representing Australia and all Australians on the Rugby field is a privilege.
“Selection is dependent upon a player’s ability to contribute to the Wallabies, and the game of Rugby itself, in a positive and consistent manner both on and off the field.
“When players sign a contract with the Wallabies, they sign up to the values of the team and the sport.”
Castle commended Folau as a “great rugby player”.
“We are disappointed and saddened by the fact that he will not see out his four-year commitment to the Wallabies and Waratahs,” she said.
Since announcing Folau’s breach on May 7, the panel had been considering written submissions from both the player’s legal team and Rugby Australia.
Folau has 72 hours to appeal and force a second code of conduct hearing, meaning the most divisive matter in Australia could drag on for weeks and months yet.
However The Telegraph reported on Friday that Folau is almost certain to skip another code of conduct hearing and take the matter straight to the Supreme Court, a move that could spell financial disaster for RA.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: The Rugby Thread
Super Rugby Round #14
A very frustrating weekend to say the least.
Well done Pharvey. 
This week 6.5 - 2 - 0 for Pharvey, Pete and Big Boy. Total points 58.66 - 91.99 - 71.83
A very frustrating weekend to say the least.
Well done Pharvey. This week 6.5 - 2 - 0 for Pharvey, Pete and Big Boy. Total points 58.66 - 91.99 - 71.83
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Certainly more luck than judgment in this season's competition!
Way too far behind to worry yourself or BB now.... 
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
Re: The Rugby Thread
My frustration arises from the way some of these New Zealand teams are playing. I follow the Hurricanes avidly and have since starting to follow Rugby. However, at times they are like kids who don't perform their best but instead of trying harder, they seem to lose motivation and rhythm, especially if one or two regular players are out. That's happened a few times this season.
With all the sides the goal kicking has been atrocious and so many points left on the table, more than enough to have won more than a few matches.
I didn't watch the Crusaders in SAF last night so don't know how they performed, but if the Blues would learn how to handle the ball without so many errors and make their kicks they well could be very close or at the top.
Having said all that many of the problems are due to injuries and people being rested for the RWC to assure they are healthy for that. Unfortunately when we get to the playoffs I don't expect any players to "go for broke" so to speak. The All Blacks men will be cautious IMO, as will the National team players from all the sides.
Look what happened to Damien McKenzie who turned himself into a supersonic flying dart trying to make a tackle. 7-9 months out with a ruptured ACL. His RWC dreams gone for another four years. He was an All Blacks starter and in his prime. Will he still be in four years? Sad.... but it highlights my point that this Super Rugby season has not been the norm.
With all the sides the goal kicking has been atrocious and so many points left on the table, more than enough to have won more than a few matches.
I didn't watch the Crusaders in SAF last night so don't know how they performed, but if the Blues would learn how to handle the ball without so many errors and make their kicks they well could be very close or at the top.
Having said all that many of the problems are due to injuries and people being rested for the RWC to assure they are healthy for that. Unfortunately when we get to the playoffs I don't expect any players to "go for broke" so to speak. The All Blacks men will be cautious IMO, as will the National team players from all the sides.
Look what happened to Damien McKenzie who turned himself into a supersonic flying dart trying to make a tackle. 7-9 months out with a ruptured ACL. His RWC dreams gone for another four years. He was an All Blacks starter and in his prime. Will he still be in four years? Sad.... but it highlights my point that this Super Rugby season has not been the norm.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Certainly agree with you there Pete. With regards to the "Blackness", they are certainly going all out for a third consecutive RWC win and Steve Hansen going out with a bang as he steps down from the position of Head Coach after Japan.PeteC wrote: ↑Sun May 19, 2019 5:03 pm Having said all that many of the problems are due to injuries and people being rested for the RWC to assure they are healthy for that. Unfortunately when we get to the playoffs I don't expect any players to "go for broke" so to speak. The All Blacks men will be cautious IMO, as will the National team players from all the sides.
Personally, I don't think the AB's are the force they have been, but good God, they are still the team to beat!
Rugby Australia have their issues, and I believe things will get worse before they get better - going to be some fallout over the whole Falau issue.
Quite frankly, who knows with the Boks, but it appears the best chance in some time for a "northern hemisphere side" to take the title....
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"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
Re: The Rugby Thread
I think your "Here's Hoping" is quite justified. Agree completely that the All Blacks could indeed stumble. Will be an interesting tournament.
The All Blacks have gaps and not enough healthy replacement players in case of injury.
The All Blacks have gaps and not enough healthy replacement players in case of injury.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Which I've not seen in a long time......
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
[EDIT] Is Hansen, his coaching team, NZRU to blame here? Has Hansen been there too long (12 years - longest serving NZ coach) - not brought players in and stuck with the "Usual Suspects"?
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
Re: The Rugby Thread
I'm not sure Pharvey but that could be part of it.
They're holding 3 x 1 day camps in May and June with about 41 attending each. The purpose is to look at new and existing people before they form a final squad. The list of attendees from the first one looks like the list we've seen over and over again, mostly older and experienced players.
There are many with nagging or old injuries that could resurface: Retallick - shoulder, Coles - head, Cane - neck, McKenzie - out/gone ACL. I'm sure there are some others where one bad play could put them out, and not much depth IMO in key positions.
Too early to even guess at what the final team will look like.
They're holding 3 x 1 day camps in May and June with about 41 attending each. The purpose is to look at new and existing people before they form a final squad. The list of attendees from the first one looks like the list we've seen over and over again, mostly older and experienced players.
There are many with nagging or old injuries that could resurface: Retallick - shoulder, Coles - head, Cane - neck, McKenzie - out/gone ACL. I'm sure there are some others where one bad play could put them out, and not much depth IMO in key positions.
Too early to even guess at what the final team will look like.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Well, the 72 hr deadline has past, but there's still the option of going to the Supreme Court - this could go on for quite some time......
Taken from: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/ ... ia-sacking
Israel Folau Opts Not to appeal Rugby Australia Sacking
"Israel Folau has decided not to appeal against Rugby Australia’s decision to tear up his four-year, $4m contract for his recent social media posts, but a protracted legal battle in the courts remains a possibility.
The former Wallabies star had 72 hours to lodge an appeal after an independent panel last week ruled in favour of RA’s decision to terminate his employment after he posted on social media that hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers” and others.
With no contact from Folau by the time that window expired on Monday afternoon, RA issued a statement to confirm the player’s employment had been officially terminated.
“The 72-hour window for Israel Folau to appeal this high-level code of conduct breach and sanction has expired,” an RA statement read. “As Folau has not notified the panel of his intention to appeal, the code of conduct process has now formally concluded.
“With the code of conduct matter complete, Folau’s employment contract will be terminated.”
Folau has not yet indicated his next move, and it is not known whether he will accept the loss of his lucrative contract or now pursue the matter in court, as has been speculated.
Last Friday’s decision came after Folau had been warned against making such posts before signing his new contract last year. He had previously posted that hell awaited homosexuals unless they repented.
Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle said at the time the decision would have ramifications across the sporting world.
“This is a decision that will change the landscape for sport across Australia and perhaps internationally,” she said. “It will be landmark, it will be important, and it is a big decision.
“He is a very important player in our game and he has been for a long period of time and we wanted to make sure we took the time to get it right.”
Taken from: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/ ... ia-sacking
Israel Folau Opts Not to appeal Rugby Australia Sacking
"Israel Folau has decided not to appeal against Rugby Australia’s decision to tear up his four-year, $4m contract for his recent social media posts, but a protracted legal battle in the courts remains a possibility.
The former Wallabies star had 72 hours to lodge an appeal after an independent panel last week ruled in favour of RA’s decision to terminate his employment after he posted on social media that hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers” and others.
With no contact from Folau by the time that window expired on Monday afternoon, RA issued a statement to confirm the player’s employment had been officially terminated.
“The 72-hour window for Israel Folau to appeal this high-level code of conduct breach and sanction has expired,” an RA statement read. “As Folau has not notified the panel of his intention to appeal, the code of conduct process has now formally concluded.
“With the code of conduct matter complete, Folau’s employment contract will be terminated.”
Folau has not yet indicated his next move, and it is not known whether he will accept the loss of his lucrative contract or now pursue the matter in court, as has been speculated.
Last Friday’s decision came after Folau had been warned against making such posts before signing his new contract last year. He had previously posted that hell awaited homosexuals unless they repented.
Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle said at the time the decision would have ramifications across the sporting world.
“This is a decision that will change the landscape for sport across Australia and perhaps internationally,” she said. “It will be landmark, it will be important, and it is a big decision.
“He is a very important player in our game and he has been for a long period of time and we wanted to make sure we took the time to get it right.”
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
Re: The Rugby Thread
I have a reoccurring dream that I get to see the top New Zealand teams play the likes of Exeter, Saracens, Glasgow, Ulster etc. What games they would be, but they’re just too damn far apart.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Got to be tempting for any rugby supporter based in Asia. We're planning a trip back to China & Thailand in September, but unfortunately the LHG is not allowing me a quick (solo) visit to Japan ..... I've even promised not to let off (or buy) any fireworks!! Seems I'll have to watch on TV (under supervision).
https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets?u ... OE,2E6XW,1
Good luck on hotel prices!!
..... I've even promised not to let off (or buy) any fireworks!! Seems I'll have to watch on TV (under supervision).https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets?u ... OE,2E6XW,1
Good luck on hotel prices!!
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
A "World Tournament" would be wonderful to see, BUT you can't expect these guys to take on additional games - it's literally killing them.
I adore rugby as all on this thread will know, however top level has now turned to money - WRONG!. I understand that I upset a few when I refer to soccer (or "football" for Pete) as "Wendyball", but rugby is an incredibly hard and physical sport - FULL CONTACT. The guys need far more time to recover and quite frankly are not recompsened in the same way - the "Money Makers" can't add more games.
And by the way Pete - why leave out the Welsh?
Scarlets have been cr@p this year, but we'll all be back. Oespreys are in the Play Offs!![EDIT] That was in jest Pete!!
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.