The Rugby Thread

[pharvey]

Cracking game so far - what a pity the English commentators can't stop bitching about Cardiff..... Sad really.

[pharvey]

Well, well, well - hell of a game. England with zip to lose, but a hugely improved performance.... And what do you know, they've actually helped Wales out maybe!

Headless chicken stuff at times from both sides during the second half only added to the excitement! Hats off to both sides.

[dtaai-maai]

... I just hope England give it a proper go. Stop fannying about and play some effin' rugby!!

And didn't they just! The 2nd half couldn't quite live up to the intensity of the 1st, but that was never going to happen. My question now is what's been happening for the last few months? There's only one man can answer that, and he's a short, bald Aussie who needs to get his act together and his priorities in order.

[pharvey]

... I just hope England give it a proper go. Stop fannying about and play some effin' rugby!!

And didn't they just! The 2nd half couldn't quite live up to the intensity of the 1st, but that was never going to happen. My question now is what's been happening for the last few months? There's only one man can answer that, and he's a short, bald Aussie who needs to get his act together and his priorities in order.

Indeed they did DM and fair play to them Had their title hopes not been in tatters however, I don't think there's anyway we would have seen that style of play against France - the two losses has given the kick up their collective arses which was required. As I've said before (and as will always be incredibly difficult to do so), the Lillywhites have an incredibly talented backline and not such a shabby set of forwards.... As a Welshman I can giggle at them losing (against us), but as a true rugby supporter, I hold my head in my hands at times.....

Don't just blame the "baldy"..... England have an arrogance that on several occasions has come around to bite them on the @rse, much to the enjoyment of others at times! A certain arrogance is required - look at NZ, but - a degree of humility is also needed (rather than the "Big Brother" attitude that they (RFU) have).

As for England today, their discipline was far, far better, they went out to run the ball rather than kick the bloody leather off it (as did France) - and what did we get? A thoroughly enjoyable spectacle that was a credit to rugby (despite ITV commentary). Hats off (again) to both teams...

[handdrummer]

I enjoy watching Rugby but know little about it. I can watch it only on French TV and I don't speak French. So, my question is; Why, when the team with the ball is driving toward the goal and is about 30 meters from a try, kick the ball away, thereby giving it to the opposing team?

[pharvey]

I enjoy watching Rugby but know little about it. I can watch it only on French TV and I don't speak French. So, my question is; Why, when the team with the ball is driving toward the goal and is about 30 meters from a try, kick the ball away, thereby giving it to the opposing team?

Well, kicking the ball away at 30m from the opponents line would be a no-no, unless there's nothing else on but to kick for touch - indeed giving your opponents possession, but with the chance of regaining possession at that lineout (or the resultant lineout from the clearance kick).

Kicking possession from further back to your opponents ("aerial ping-pong") can be incredibly frustrating for the spectator, but ultimately the goal is for your opponent to make an error returning the ball and your team to make an overall gain in territory....

Put it this way: -

1. You kick the ball from your own half deep into your opponent's half, but keep the ball "in play" - your opponents kick the ball back but into touch within their own half. RESULT: Your team retains possession, and makes ground.
2. Again, you kick the ball from your own half deep into your opponent's half, but keep the ball "in play" - your opponents decide to run the ball back, but your defence is prepared and your opponents make an error. Potential RESULT being you have either won possession OR won a penalty and a potential 3 pts (or better).

The above is a very simplistic view, but gives some idea......

[pharvey]

Scotland vs Ireland - another very enjoyable game today Anyone get to see it??

Scotland still with an outside chance of the Championship, Ireland well pee'd off with their two losses. Incredibly, the sides went into this match (stats for you Pete ) with history being "Played 137, Ireland Won 66, Scotland Won 66, Drawn 5" !!

Both sides would have been pi$$ed off to have lost, but ultimately Ireland deserved the win IMO (despite my bl**dy predictions....). Scotland's lineout (well lack of) cost them badly, as did their penalty count (?) - Ireland's defence quite something especially towards the end of the game.

It's been a great weekend for 6N Rugby - this is what it can be like!!

Bring on next weekend.....

[dtaai-maai]

Scotland vs Ireland - another very enjoyable game today Anyone get to see it??

Every now and again you get one of those awful conflicts of interest, and today was one of them: Scotland-Ireland, the T20 cricket in India and the North London derby. A pretty shitty day all round as it turned out...

[handdrummer]

I enjoy watching Rugby but know little about it. I can watch it only on French TV and I don't speak French. So, my question is; Why, when the team with the ball is driving toward the goal and is about 30 meters from a try, kick the ball away, thereby giving it to the opposing team?

Well, kicking the ball away at 30m from the opponents line would be a no-no, unless there's nothing else on but to kick for touch - indeed giving your opponents possession, but with the chance of regaining possession at that lineout (or the resultant lineout from the clearance kick).

Kicking possession from further back to your opponents ("aerial ping-pong") can be incredibly frustrating for the spectator, but ultimately the goal is for your opponent to make an error returning the ball and your team to make an overall gain in territory....



Thanks pharvey, I figured out the kicks from distance but didn't get the short km kick.

I also find the penalties confusing but that's for another day. I'll try to find info on the internet and maybe I'll understand what they mean.

It seems strange that such a rough and rugged game has so many complications.

I was thinking about US football and despite all the protective gear, there are far more injuries than rugby. Maybe if the US teams dressed like rugby players there would be fewer injuries. I mean, no one is deliberately going to crash their head into someone else's head without a helmet.

Put it this way: -

1. You kick the ball from your own half deep into your opponent's half, but keep the ball "in play" - your opponents kick the ball back but into touch within their own half. RESULT: Your team retains possession, and makes ground.
2. Again, you kick the ball from your own half deep into your opponent's half, but keep the ball "in play" - your opponents decide to run the ball back, but your defence is prepared and your opponents make an error. Potential RESULT being you have either won possession OR won a penalty and a potential 3 pts (or better).

The above is a very simplistic view, but gives some idea......

[pharvey]

Christ, don't the Lillywhites or the Sweaties ever do what they are supposed to do.....

(And damn you Lindosfan.....)

Anywho, the Prediction League table after Round 4: -
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HHF-R4.JPG (76.68 KiB) Viewed 391 times

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[lindosfan1]

Christ, don't the Lillywhites or the Sweaties ever do what they are supposed to do.....

(And damn you Lindosfan.....)

Anywho, the Prediction League table after Round 4: -
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HHF-R4.JPG

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pharvey I wonder if you would be so kind and let me know your forecasts for this week. I would then have a guide as what not to forecast. Could you please pm your forecasts to keep it private.
PS who will be Wales 16th player this week.

[pharvey]

pharvey I wonder if you would be so kind and let me know your forecasts for this week. I would then have a guide as what not to forecast. Could you please pm your forecasts to keep it private.
PS who will be Wales 16th player this week.

Oh, I could certainly let you know what to do "Lindosfan".........

Seriously? ".. who will be Wales 16th player this week"....

Can't the "Lillywhites", "Paddies" or "Sweaties" give up on the "the ref did us" BS? After all, the "Pasta Munchers" show full respect.

I for one have never complained, bitched or indeed moaned about any decision made by any of those incredible, oft berated and undervalued "providers of justice" to players of this wonderful game, regardless of a win, loss or draw for the champions of Wales (well, and 2021)!! I can only hope that one day others are able to follow my pure sentiments.....

[PeteC]

Six Nations 2021: France v Scotland rescheduled for 26 March

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/56281248

[pharvey]

Six Nations 2021: France v Scotland rescheduled for 26 March

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/56281248

Oh, we don't need to wait - the championship will be decided this coming Saturday!!

In all seriousness, looking forward to Ireland vs England and to see if the Lillywhites stay with the game played against France. Could be a very good game..... I fear the Lillywhites will have too much for the Paddies, but the men in green do not give in too easily.....

As a Welshman though, I'm obviously going to be glued to the France vs Wales game later Saturday night (9pm KO, WTF..). A huge task for the Welsh team - France will be but pi$$ed off to have lost against the Lillywhites and will no doubt come back with a bang! Wales seriously need to up their defense and unfortunately we'll struggle against the French front 5.... Still, Rwy'n CREDU!! - CYMRU AM BYTH!! (Ahhh, we'll win!)...

[handdrummer]

"France vs Wales game later Saturday night (9pm KO, WTF..)."

Is the game in Wales or France? I don't know if there's a time difference but if it's in France, that's 3 am in Thailand.