The Rugby Thread

[404cameljockey]

I forgot again ... I'm getting worse.

Saw the last two minutes. I think the last try looked held up anyway, but England so close again, at their fortress too where they win by cricket scores.

I'd like a match review please!

[pharvey]

Well, you missed quite a game! As for a report, you'll have to wait - Australia vs Wales next up

[404cameljockey]

Well, you missed quite a game! As for a report, you'll have to wait - Australia vs Wales next up

Yep, watching the anthems now. I'll watch England on catchup tomorrow anyway. Good luck taffs.

[404cameljockey]

Well, you missed quite a game! As for a report, you'll have to wait - Australia vs Wales next up

Yep, watching the anthems now. I'll watch England on catchup tomorrow anyway. Good luck taffs.

My god, tough start .

[404cameljockey]

Who lit a fire under Wales? Much better. Small errors cost them. I thought their last lineout was going to draw them level but it was a poor one. "A lot to take away" though.

[pharvey]

Who lit a fire under Wales? Much better. Small errors cost them. I thought their last lineout was going to draw them level but it was a poor one. "A lot to take away" though.

Certainly better Lineout and Scrum - until Dewi Lake was taken off... Crazy!! MOTM regardless.

It wasn't "small errors" that cost Wales, it was the utter stupidity and timing of some of the penalties they gave away. Twice after scoring tries to get them back in the game, they give away idiotic penalties straight away and directly in front of the posts!!

Plenty of positives though - Dewi Lake was absolutely immense, Botham (despite my pre-match comments) had a great game as did the Backrow as a whole. Tshiunza certainly had one of his best games for Wales and is certainly better placed in the Second-Row rather than at 6 where he's played many of his Welsh games. The Front-Row also much improved - there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel despite my negativity at times.
A breakaway try against the run of play gave Australia an early 7 point lead, a silly mistake by Winnett and a further penalty gave Australia a 17-0 lead... BUT, Wales fought back and that is the key!

There were of course the negatives.... Grady at Inside Center is not an option - he's a big lad and I understand Gatland's wont to have "Jamie Roberts - like" Battering Ram, but that style of play is well read and Grady is no Roberts. Grady is better suited on the wing and despite Dyer's well taken try late on, I'd play him there (Dyer did little before or after). Our midfield did nothing that will trouble anyone and changes need to be made. Liam Williams again superb, but he's at the end of his career and will not get close to the next RWC - we need to realise this and bite the bullet. I'd prefer for him to remain in the Welsh set-up and drop Howley as the supposed "Attack Coach" - after all, what has he done?
The Penalty Count and the way penalties and points were given away - bloody criminal!!

Today's match shows much promise for Wales, but we need results and a Midfield!! It could have been oh so different, but ultimately Australia deserved the win.

[pharvey]

As for the Lillywhites... Well, they will feel hard done by, but ultimately NZ deserved the win and continue that unbeaten record at Eden Park.

DM will no doubt (or should) provide his opinion, but it was an early start for the poor man...

"Girly Smith" at Flyhalf for England had a cracker as much as it hurts me to say - pinpoint kicking leading to 2 Tries, not to mention a huge difference from kicking from the Tee compared to last week. Itoje ( ) was again superb and a proper nuisance - but he gave away two silly penalties in kickable positions. The English Backrow did well, but again gave away some critical turnovers, their Front-Row and scrummage not so great. The Lineout was a mix and match - a disaster for NZ in the First Half, but coming back strongly in the 2nd. Ultimately, for me though - it was the strength and timing of the introduction of their Bench, especially Beauden Barrett. What a class act!

Very enjoyable game, England will come away with a lot of positives, NZ at Eden Park - the Fortress still has it's walls!

[pharvey]

Firstly, my apologies for not keeping up with the "HHF/Superbru Prediction League" - but I'll post the table after this Round..... Nothing to do with me being last by the way

An incredible few matches last weekend leads itself to a "less interesting" weekend of Rugby. Basically, some 1st Tier 2nd teams vs some 2nd Tier 1st teams - interesting to see new/fringe players and the likes of the U20's.

Plenty on, and much available (FREE) through "Rugby Pass" - see https://rugbypass.tv for schedules, how to register etc. Also, check out https://www.wheresthematch.com/live-rugby-union-on-tv/ for Full Fixtures.

As a Welshman, I have to watch the Reds vs Wales - a completely changed Welsh side, but it's going to be interesting one way or the other!! A (very) large Backrow with all 3 playing out of position! An ex-Rugby League player who has only played 2 professional games in Rugby Union (friendlies for Bath), but just remember the impact Jason Robinson had We also have yet another different Center Partnership (for the love of God) and a completely mixed Front Five.... I'm at a loss as to how this benefits us.

The Reds haven't played an "International Touring Side" for 20 odd years - the last time they played Wales (1991), when they had the likes of Michael Lynagh, John Eales, Tom Horan and Jason Little, they ran out 35-24 winners. They will be without many internationals this time around, but I truly hope Wales don't go nil for 10!! I shall be ever so slightly pissed off! Of course, this is a "No Cap" match and when Wales play Fiji in the Autumn, we could well be nil for 10 in Test Matches.... I shall have words with my mate Warren at that point.
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The U20's have a multitude of "Placement Matches" to go through, but the Final is obviously a must watch (at least for us "Rugby Die Hards")


England vs France

"France are only 80 minutes away from becoming the second nation, after New Zealand, to win four U20 Championship titles in a row.

Les Bleuets flirted with disaster earlier in the tournament, losing a nail-biting pool-stage encounter with New Zealand 27-26 on July 4th.

However, they avenged that defeat on Sunday, running in seven tries to beat the same opponents 55-31 and secure their date with destiny.

England will be confident they can end France’s run of success in the tournament, though, having enjoyed a seamless journey through South Africa’s Western Cape so far.

Following pool stage victories against Argentina, Fiji and hosts South Africa, England booked their place in the showpiece match with a 31-20 defeat of Ireland."
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U20-Final.jpg (9.42 KiB) Viewed 1195 times

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[dtaai-maai]

... but I truly hope Wales don't go nil for 10!!

I was about to lay into you for that comment, but then you played your Get Out of Jail Free card with the following:

Of course, this is a "No Cap" match and when Wales play Fiji in the Autumn, we could well be nil for 10 in Test Matches...

And if you approach or contact Gatland in any way whatsoever, you will be in breach of the restraining order, as well you know...

Having watched NZ being thrashed by France, I shan't be holding my breath for an England win.

[pharvey]

And if you approach or contact Gatland in any way whatsoever, you will be in breach of the restraining order, as well you know...

AND.... You told me that you would keep that quiet... (BTW, was it 100m?).

Having watched NZ being thrashed by France, I shan't be holding my breath for an England win.

NZ are not the same team as they have been in the U20's in the past - France look bloody good, as do the Lillywhites - but with the amount of "Stolen" Welsh players in the squad, the latter is hardly surprising...

[PeteC]

Wales vs Queenland Reds doesn't seem to be on our Superbru schedule? Doesn't qualify as an "International"?

[pharvey]

Wales vs Queenland Reds doesn't seem to be on our Superbru schedule? Doesn't qualify as an "International"?

No "Caps" awarded, so no. Then again you've got Chile vs Scotland on that hellish tour the "Skirt Wearers" have had! No offence (honestly) to my fellow Celts

[dtaai-maai]

oops

[dtaai-maai]

France look bloody good, as do the Lillywhites - but with the amount of "Stolen" Welsh players in the squad, the latter is hardly surprising...

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso qualified for England in a number of ways, and you only have to listen to the guy to realise he's basically English. And most crucial of all is the fact that he wasn't stolen by England, he chose England. And yes, I admit, your constant wind-up on the subject finally worked, but I hope we can put it to bed now!

[pharvey]

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso qualified for England in a number of ways,

Feyi-Wasa-Welshman (who we no longer want or need) qualified I assume through residency and a doubtful family connection. The up and coming stars of rugby be them Welsh, Scottish, Irish or other (that by any means qualify for England) are offered places in the (admittedly) better colleges/universities in England but are CONTRACTED (a proven fact) to play for the England U20's if selected. Some will go back to the nation of their birth or overall connection(s), but many will remain in the English camp.

And yes, I admit, your constant wind-up on the subject finally worked, but I hope we can put it to bed now!

Oh, damn - ignore the first comment!

I shall say no more on the subject, honestly....