The Rugby Thread

[dtaai-maai]

Thanks for the heads up, Pietro, that had passed me by. Lot of cup cricket and footy going on this weekend, mind.

[dtaai-maai]

England are playing the first test against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The backline is unchanged from the win in Tokyo, with Marcus Smith retaining the fly-half shirt after starring against the Blossoms, and Northampton’s Premiership title winner Fin Smith among the replacements.

“We know the quality Marcus has as a player, everyone sees it,” Borthwick added.

Weeeeeeeell, not quite everyone, Steve... eh Pietro?

[pharvey]

Weeeeeeeell, not quite everyone, Steve... eh Pietro?

I'm honestly shocked by the innuendo.. I've never had anything but good things to say about the "man"....

[dtaai-maai]

I've just noticed that the NZ-England game kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, so I'll need a reminder!

[pharvey]

I've just noticed that the NZ-England game kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, so I'll need a reminder!

Oh, I might think about it.....

Anywho, the Pools have been selected for the Challenge and Champions Cup Tournaments - and some interesting matches coming up! The fixtures will be announced at a later date, with games to be played on the weekends of 6-8 December, 13-15 December, 10-12 January and 17-19 January.

The final will be played at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 24 May 2025, with the Challenge Cup final being staged the previous day at the same venue.

NOTE: - Next season's (Champions League) tournament will follow the same format as last year with each team playing four different opponents at the pool stages, but not teams from their own league.

Pool draws

Champions Cup draw:

Pool One: Toulouse, Bordeaux Begles, Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers, Ulster

Pool Two: Leinster, Clermont Auvergne, La Rochelle, Bristol Bears, Benetton, Bath

Pool Three: Northampton Saints, Munster, Bulls, Stade Francais, Saracens, Castres

Pool Four: Glasgow Warriors, Racing 92, Sale Sharks, Stormers, RC Toulon, Harlequins


Challenge Cup draw:

Pool One: Cardiff, Connacht, Cheetahs, Perpignan, Lyon, Zebre

Pool Two: Montpellier, Section Paloise, Newcastle Falcons, Dragons, Lions, Ospreys

Pool Three: FC Vannes, Black Lion, Bayonne, Scarlets, Edinburgh, Gloucester

[dtaai-maai]

Wow, no easy rides in the Champions Cup! I suppose if you had to choose, you'd be in Pool 4.

[pharvey]

Wow, no easy rides in the Champions Cup! I suppose if you had to choose, you'd be in Pool 4.

Zero "Easy Rides" (which makes for great rugby) - I read a comment where "Historically, two wins will almost guarantee getting through the Pool Stages..." - hell, difficult calls all around let alone "Home Advantage" to be confirmed... Bath are certainly in for a tough time.

[pharvey]

Sad news, and some that is upsetting for me personally. As a Bath supporter for over 40 years now, I met him and spoke to him on many occasions along with many others - as a supporter, but he seemed to class us all as friends "of the family" - "family" being Bath RFC (as it was).

Despite far more wins than losses as the "Lillywhites' Coach", he was badly treated by the RFU and so-called English fans alike. I for one will always remember him as a giant of a man who loved Bath, their fans, the city and took them to amazing heights!

[EDIT] I'll also add, the huge respect Jack had in Wales - Bath did and continue to do so, play "Cross Boarder" games - this pre-season being no different.

"A Bath statement read: "It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of former Bath Rugby head coach and club president Jack Rowell on Monday 1 July.

"Jack Rowell, all 6ft 7in of him, was a towering figure in the history of Bath and English rugby, a unique character who will never be equalled for his extraordinary achievements as a visionary, astute strategist and inspirational coach.

"From his arrival in the summer of 1978 to his departure at the end of yet another trophy-laden season in 1994 to coach England, Jack had set about creating and sustaining an unstoppable force in domestic rugby.

"On behalf of everyone at Bath Rugby, we extend our deepest condolences to Jack's family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jack.""

[pharvey]

And with the "Euros" taking a break, there is also the World Rugby U20's continuing.... Some great performances in R1, R2 Schedule (sorry, UK times again): -
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[dtaai-maai]

Grassy arse for that, Pedro, that's my afternoon sorted. Unfortunately I've only just got home, so I've missed the Wales game. Hope you're ok...

[pharvey]

Grassy arse for that, Pedro, that's my afternoon sorted. Unfortunately I've only just got home, so I've missed the Wales game. Hope you're ok...

A decent win for Wales with a massively changed side from the First Round. A bizarre Yellow Card for Wales after only 5 mins, but on the whole not a bad performance from the She Ref (no, seriously ).

Despite the 31-10 score line and Wales again missing (or stuffing) those final passes/touches, the Spanish defence was impressive. Morgan Morse for Wales was once again absolutely superb - playing out of position at Openside rather than at No. 8, topped the tackle charts, two turnovers - this guy is going to be a truly class act. I just hope to God Wales don't lose him under some ridiculous ruling or Salary Cap employed by the WRU....

Cracking match later with France vs NZ

[pharvey]

Judging by the score-lines, the NZ vs France match is a far better contest than the Junior Lillywhites vs Fiji. Unfortunately, I'm watching the NZ vs France game with NZ Commentary - of course incredibly unbiased as usual...

[pharvey]

Well, well, well - a hell of a game! I shan't post the result or comment more than it was a proper rugby contest. Just in case you've not watched it yet DM.... It is certainly worth the watch!!

[pharvey]

A Full Schedule for tomorrow (Saturday July 6th)

NOTE: All Times Shown UK (BST)
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[dtaai-maai]

Shit, bugger and ballocks! I overslept then forgot completely about the rugby! Now I've seen the result and it looks like a cracking game...