The Rugby Thread

[PeteC]

I tell 'ya...if they continue to enforce this new criteria concerning rules, there is going to be open rebellion or perhaps even walk off's when the UK and EU leagues start up. The people who started all of this should be tied up, put in a wagon and pushed over a cliff!

Six penalty points against the Blues yesterday which took away momentum completely. Yes, they lost by more than six points but they wouldn't have if not disheartened and overly cautious. They played a much superior defensive game, and offensive game up to the 4th quarter.

The penalties? Both not rolling away. Both were caused by players from the other side on the left, the right, and back between the legs of the down man...but called anyway! Even the commentators in the booth went ballistic.

I think it's obvious these referees are being judged by their board on how well they enforce this new criteria. It's bloody rubbish, all of it. People are going to lose interest and stop watching if it keeps up.

[PeteC]

https://mailchi.mp/sanzarrugby/2017-sup ... nd-3266891

Screen Shot 2020-07-15 at 11.44.36 AM.png (88.48 KiB) Viewed 295 times

[pharvey]

If Kiwis Come Knocking, Australian Rugby Must Take What it Can Get

"It’s clear after two rounds of Super Rugby AU that playing stocks are thin, so Australian rugby should accept any invitation from New Zealand and be thankful.

If New Zealand offers Australia two or three places in a Trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition, Australian administrators should grab the opportunity with both hands.
There has been speculation New Zealand only wants limited Australian participation in any future competition involving the two countries because of concerns Australia is incapable of supporting any more than three teams.

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan described New Zealand’s attitude as a “master-servant” mentality, but it’s time Australian rugby faces up to some harsh realities about the game in this country. After two rounds of Super Rugby AU it is abundantly clear Australia lacks the depth of playing talent to support five – or maybe even four – teams.
This problem will be exacerbated if RA fails to secure a lucrative new broadcast deal and more quality Australian players head overseas at the end of the year."

Taken From: - https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/ ... it-can-get

[PeteC]

Well Pharvey, it's a new day and a new book and so far Gatland senior has been far from impressive with what he's been doing (or not doing) with the Chiefs. The player talent is there.

I can feel for him as he's in the spotlight and under a microscope so to speak, but this current tournament has been a disaster. They were ahead 31-7 at 42 minutes and lost it.

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/20 ... nders.html

[pharvey]

Well Pharvey, it's a new day and a new book and so far Gatland senior has been far from impressive with what he's been doing (or not doing) with the Chiefs. The player talent is there.

I can feel for him as he's in the spotlight and under a microscope so to speak, but this current tournament has been a disaster. They were ahead 31-7 at 42 minutes and lost it.

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/20 ... nders.html

Difficult to say exactly what is going wrong - they've actually played some good rugby, and as you say, the talent is there. He's certainly under pressure and has in no way done his hopes of ultimately leading the AB's any good!!

Sounds like a hell of a game though!! Pity I couldn't see the video - will have a quick look to see what's available on Youtube.

[PeteC]

It's a scary thing in that Sam Cane is the Chiefs captain, and captain of the All Blacks as well. I hope it's not his leadership abilities on the field that are failing.

[pharvey]

It's a scary thing in that Sam Cane is the Chiefs captain, and captain of the All Blacks as well. I hope it's not his leadership abilities on the field that are failing.

A very good point, one which I'd not picked up on....

[PeteC]

Other than the above....it's still the same old officiating test tube environment in NZ. I hope you see the same things I'm seeing with officiating when the UK fires up. Offside by millimeters, phantom obstruction, an endless list.

They have to back peddle on some of these new enforcements or it will turn into the NFL, with stoppage after every play.

[pharvey]

Other than the above....it's still the same old officiating test tube environment in NZ. I hope you see the same things I'm seeing with officiating when the UK fires up. Offside by millimeters, phantom obstruction, an endless list.

They have to back peddle on some of these new enforcements or it will turn into the NFL, with stoppage after every play.

There are a multitude of rules/laws in Rugby Union, and if they are officiated to the "letter," the game will die. Common sense has to prevail with the referees/linesmen. There has to be a certain amount of leeway to enable the game to flow - as long as player safety is a priority and players/teams are not gaining an unfair advantage.

Also as a note, not all laws currently being trialed in the SH will be brought in or even trialed in the NH.

[PeteC]

Screen Shot 2020-07-22 at 10.03.28 AM.png (89.92 KiB) Viewed 232 times

https://mailchi.mp/sanzarrugby/2017-sup ... nd-3266915

[pharvey]

Will be interesting to see what happens come the end of the month. Should the matches be played, Wales will play all remaining games "away" as the Principality Stadium is being used as a Covid-19 medical center.

"The Six Nations will be completed in the final two weeks of October before the autumn international series is played over four weeks if a recommendation by World Rugby’s executive committee is accepted by its council on 30 July.

The doubling of the Test window is designed to make up for the loss of the tours that were scheduled to take place in the south this month.

By agreeing to the recommendation for both the men’s and women’s tournaments, the council will be making a temporary change to the rules governing player release, obliging clubs to supply players for the entire block."

Full Article: - https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/ ... ix-nations

[pharvey]

If true, this sums up Rugby Australia at the moment - utterly ridiculous!

"Rugby Australia is seeking to deliver a rare coup, but is gambling the future of the game on a child prodigy who may or may not ever fulfill his potential. RA has strenuously denied offering teenage sensation Joseph Suaalii a $3m deal to turn his back on a fledgling NRL career with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. But even if you accept the denial of a mega deal, the youngster is clearly not going to come cheap.

New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie admits he is highly impressed with Suaalii, while Rabbitohs great Sam Burgess has described his talent as “unbelievable.” Others have predicted Suaalii could be the next Israel Folau. The kid can play, but the signing of Suaalii on a deal anywhere close to what established Wallabies players earn would potentially have all sorts of ramifications, particularly in these financially perilous times.

How can a cash-strapped sport like rugby splash cash on a player who is not even old enough to vote? There is speculation RA will only pay half of Suaalii’s contract with the other half coming from third-parties, but even if this were correct, they would still be forking out a lot of money on an unproven player."

Full Article: - https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/ ... l-problems

[PeteC]

Everything you want to know about SH rugby this week.

https://is-hosted-email-api-prod.appspo ... 4505189376

Rugby Pass is a funny old bird. It seems it's one of the few services where you can point your VPN to Thailand to get full coverage of all matches SH and NH. UK, Ireland, USA and most of western EU you can't receive matches.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/where-is ... available/

[pharvey]

Everything you want to know about SH rugby this week.

https://is-hosted-email-api-prod.appspo ... 4505189376

Thanks for that Pete Interesting article on the "NZ snub" - I wonder what's going to happen there (though I feel a few SA teams will join the European league): -

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/south-af ... tion-snub/

Rugby Pass is a funny old bird. It seems it's one of the few services where you can point your VPN to Thailand to get full coverage of all matches SH and NH. UK, Ireland, USA and most of western EU you can't receive matches.

As for the UK, it's down to SKY and BT owning the rights - SKY being the more prominent (and the more expensive ). I do manage to get a fair amount of Premiership and Pro 14 matches, but zero Super Rugby unless I pick up an online stream, which TBH I generally don't bother with (especially these days).

[PeteC]

You can get that weekly Rugby Pass email directly Pharvey at the below.

https://www.rugbypass.com/mailinglist