What No Rugby Forum!

[Donnyboy]

this weekends Trinations game

All Blacks vs Australia -ABs by 15

Played in Christchurch, it will be tough ask for the vistors to stop the onslaught against a confident All Black side. A repeat of 20 points is a possiblity.

from a rugby blog;

The All Blacks have played Australia in Christchurch 12 times since 1913, with eight wins to the All Blacks and four to Australia. The last Bledisloe Cup Test in Christchurch was the 32–12 All Blacks win in 2006, which established a record 19 successive home Test wins for the All Blacks, with hooker Keven Mealamu starring with two tries.

should be a great one if the weather is fine, cant wait

[StreetCowboy]

In a surprising turn-around, Leeds clawed back an 18-8 deficit to claim the first ticket to Wembley with a 32-28 win against St Helens.

Tonight, in the second semi-final, Warrington, lying second in the League ahead of St Helens on points difference, take on second-from-bottom Catalan Dragons, who make the thousand-mile journey to Halton Stadium in Widnes, looking to progress to their second ever Cup Final at the expense of the Holders. I'm sure you'll all be glued to the wireless, listening in...

SC

[StreetCowboy]

"... a disappointed and dispirited Catalan side.... and that's Warrington with one foot on the coach down the M6, the M1, the North Circular and Wembley stadium"

Maybe a little premature, but the battery's running out on my lap top

... and we're going to Wembelee! Wembelee! Wembelee!

"...there's some very dispirited frenchmen out there today..."

Oh my word, there's another one gone over.

Richie Myler off the bench for try number seven of the day... and still fifteen minutes to go.

So Leeds Wire in 3 weeks time...

"... just putting the icing on the cake, a hat trick for Louis Anderson... further and further away from the bedraggled attempts of the French..."

SC

[StreetCowboy]

Is there anywhere in Bangkok will be showing the Great Game?

28 August - Challenge Cup Final - Leeds Warringtion - a pound to a penny there won't be seven points in it...

Wembelee! Wembelee!

We don't often get to say that, now, from my neck of the woods....

SC

[tigerfish]

s.africa v new zealand

could be a totally different kettle of fish, todays game.

the boks back on home soil must surely come out looking to save some pride and stop the kiwi in their tracks.

this could end up being one hel_l of a bruising encounter, with more than its fair share of incidents.

im going to buck the trend on this one although not fully aware of what kind of team the s.african coaching staff are going to field.

boks to take it by 4 points!

[tigerfish]

s.africa v new zealand

could be a totally different kettle of fish, todays game.

the boks back on home soil must surely come out looking to save some pride and stop the kiwi in their tracks.

this could end up being one hel_l of a bruising encounter, with more than its fair share of incidents.

im going to buck the trend on this one although not fully aware of what kind of team the s.african coaching staff are going to field.

boks to take it by 4 points!

stupid me! what was i thinking.

the games next week. thought it a bit strange that no-one had posted regarding their thoughts on the outcome of the game.

[Donnyboy]

no worries TF, it should be a tough test, luckily The ABs would have had a chance to rest and regroup, and no travel lag either

the games being played in Soweto, 90,000 screaming Bok fans will want a win, so the pressure is on for the Boks. The ABs have no pressure really, they only need 1 point to wrap up the Trinations series. A point is awarded by losing within 7 points, or scoring 4 tries. Im still not convinced the Boks can outpace the ABs in speed of play, they will need to be quicker in the breakdown and get quick ball out and support the ball carrier. They cannot afford to kick back to the ABs. The key is to retain possession and not turnover the ball. If they do that, they could probably win, but I cant see it.

All Blacks by 12

other news out today, SA are considering pulling out of SAZAR, which involves the Trinations and Super 14/15 games. This wont bode well for the S15 competition if a third of the teams disappear. Not sure if it will be good for NZ Aus rugby either, maybe South Africa are looking for teams they can beat up in the NH

South Africa considers Sanzar split

[gkinbkk]

European clubs will never release their players long enough to fit another team in 6 nations. SA needs to pull its head in and learn to get along with its SANZAR partners, this is all about getting another team in Super Rugby which, since it became S14, has been less than super.....

[Donnyboy]

European clubs will never release their players long enough to fit another team in 6 nations. SA needs to pull its head in and learn to get along with its SANZAR partners, this is all about getting another team in Super Rugby which, since it became S14, has been less than super.....

i thought it was more to do with the recent referees decisions going against them

agreed, they need to put their dummy back in

[Donnyboy]

Bok coach has made seven player changes for this weekends game, a couple of replacements from injuries.

From the news article, it looks as they have picked a team to play a running, counter attacking team, should be plenty of kicking from playing at altitude as well.

script will probably go, kick, kick back, kick return, counter with run or kick out if opposition chases up onto first five is good

we might see a few forwards sucking in the big ones as they will struggle to cope with the pace of the game imo

[tigerfish]

did you see the game donnyboy?

ive just read the BBCs website page and it looks like it was a bit of a hum dinger! 2 trys in the dying minutes of the game to seal the tri-nations crown.

congrats to you and your fellow countrymen.

[Donnyboy]

yeah thanks TG, i saw the game delayed

wahoo what a game!

ABs take it by 7

Boks were certainly up for it, and with 90,000 screaming fans backing them they came oh so close, leading with 5 mins to go.

It wasnt as clinical as far as the first 2 NZ vs SA games, but it was a great test as both teams were giving it everything

ABs have now sewn up the Trinations and Bledisloe cups, roll on RWC (fingers crossed)

[Donnyboy]

slippery slope for rugby if they continue to fake blood bin injuries, luckily they have imposed a heavy fine,

if not we could see the same debacle like they have in soccer, rolling around in pain after a tackle

Doctor ashamed of role in rugby's fake blood scam

The doctor who cut a Harlequins rugby player's lip to cover up a fake-blood injury scam as admitted she is ashamed she succumbed to pressure.

Winger Tom Williams bit into a blood capsule during a 2009 Heineken Cup quarterfinal against Leinster to enable a specialist kicker to be brought on as a so-called blood replacement.

But as the deception unravelled after the match, which Harlequins lost, Williams asked Dr Wendy Chapman to cut his lip.

"I was very ashamed that I gave into the pressure," Dr Chapman said on the second day of her disciplinary hearing.

Asked how she felt in the changing room, Dr Chapman replied: "Distressed, ashamed, horrified. I just wanted out of there."

Dr Chapman could now be banned from practising by the General Medical Council, which has accused her of bringing the profession into disrepute by being dishonest.

She admits most of the GMC charges, but contests that she told match officials that Williams had a loose tooth in order to deceive them.

The accident and emergency consultant was suspended on no pay from Maidstone hospital, southeast of London, and has since left her post.

Quins were fined an unprecedented $US300,000 (NZ$427,000) by a European Rugby Cup panel in October 2009.

Dean Richards left as Harlequins director of rugby and was banned for three years after being held responsible for the incident.

Dr Chapman, who was cleared of any wrongdoing by the ERC panel, said she first realised something was amiss with Williams when she gave him a piece of gauze to put on his lower lip.

"The fluid going on to the gauze was the wrong colour and the wrong texture for blood," she said.

"I had never seen it before and I just did not know what was going on. I was still looking for an injury.

"In my naivety I could not understand why someone would come off with no injury at all."

As she was about to look into Williams' mouth, he asked her to cut him.

"He was absolutely desperate. He said, 'You have to cut me, I have got to have a real injury,"' she recalled.

"I was horrified. That means he has not got one (an injury) ... that they cheated."

The GMC panel was told that Dr Chapman has since been diagnosed with depression.

[Donnyboy]

this weekends Trinations game

South Africa vs Australia,(Loftus Versfeld) Boks by 5

just the wooden spoon to play for now,the Boks have some firepower coming back into the squad, the guy with the huge boot Francois Steyn, and center Jaque Fourieis. The Boks should have the upper hand in kicking and perhaps speed out wide with Pietersen & Habana, also home advantage, you couldnt hear the haka last week as it was drowned out by the Bok fans

Mattfield plays his 100th test as well, so it will be a big performance

media reports say the nz born wallabie Quade Cooper could be distracted with the on-going saga on who he is going to sign for next year, some reports say he has been offered $500k/year deal(could be more) to change to league

biggest concern for the Boks, can they lift themselves again after such a big game last week, they almost pulled it off last weekend, only to run short at the dying minutes, there will be some tired Boks by 60-70 mins imo

[Donnyboy]

not sure if anyone reads this thread anymore, TF where are you?

Anyway, this weekends game- South Africa vs Australia, Boks by 3

The Wallabie coach Robbie Deans is in the gun as his side lost a game after a leading at halftime 21-7

His decision making has been questioned as he left players on the bench when they were clearly struggling at playing at altittude during the second half.

This weekend wont be any easier for both teams as they will need to front up for another high altittude game at Bloemfontein, not an easy feat after last weekends encounter. Im picking the Boks should make it 2 from 2 against the Wallabies at home, but it will be closer than last weekend imo

[sadman]

not sure if anyone reads this thread anymore, TF where are you?

I read it, but for some reason when I get onto the Sports etc forum, it will only talk golf, so I have to go around the block a bit.

Anyway, regarding the blood fakery - never mind all the hand-wringing and protestations that this was an isolated incident. I am aware that this has been going on in the English Premiership since the introduction of blood replacements. I can't believe it doesn't happen elsewhere, either.

Regarding last Saturday's SA v Aus game: what a great game for the impartial observer. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially as the tries came from quick thinking, quick ball and good running lines (I was a prop, but I can still enjoy that kind of thing!) The ARU would be crackers to let Robbie Deans go, but IMHO the Aus problem is as it has been for several years - their tight five. The only one worth a carrot is Stephen Moore, and he's not fully fit yet. Without an effective tight 5, the back row can't function and the backs can't get much.

SA are a shadow of their former selves, thanks to the stupid political machinations of SARFU appointing a 2nd rate coach on the basis of his ethnicity, rather than his ability.

Anyway, please keep this thread going. I always enjoy discussing the game with people from different countries, as it gives me a better perspective. Actually, I'm a rugby bore and my wife would happily stab me sometimes. Anyway, off to coach my U-18s side in the first match of the season.

[Donnyboy]

Boks vs Wallabies- Aussies won right on 80 minutes, not a bad game at all.

Going into the 2nd half, the Aussies had a good lead but didnt manage to score any points until the last 10 minutes to come from behind and win.

This could be the turning point for the wallabies. Usually very difficult to win in SA at altitude, and to do it like they did showed alot of mettle.

This weekends game has the Wallabies at home vs The All Blacks, ABs by 7

The ABs are without playmaker Dan Carter. Aaaron Cruden steps in the piviotal role. More changes are hinted as the Trinations and Bledisloe have been won already. Will be a close affair with the Wallabies wanting to finish the series at home on a high. The ABs are on a 14 match winning streak, and have a grand slam to come, this could well be the best year the ABs will ever have if they continue the fine form that they have shown. This weekends match wont be easy imo.

Will be interesting to see the energy levels of the aussies in the last 20 mins, we know the ABs are super fit this season.

[sadman]

I'm not sure I agree with your prediction for this weekend, Donnyboy. For me, it's NZ by 12+.

Last weekend, Aus did have something to prove but were far short of top quality, IMHO. Altitude etc all made it difficult, but they dogged it out to win. That won't be enough to beat NZ.

I know I'm a cracked record, but the Aus tight 5 are inefficient and ineffective. As a unit they are unfit (look at the props), with Moore being the only shining light, although Dean Mumm looks to have a future. Tactically, the Aus pack are light years behind NZ, so although the Aus midfield axis is world class, they get too little good, quick ball with which to work. SA didn't take sufficient advantage of that, but NZ will.

Pocock vs McCaw is a mouth-watering contest, but all the honest hard work of Elsom won't be enough. The NZ forwards will win this game by giving their backs plenty of good ball and preventing the Aus forwards from doing the same for theirs.

[tigerfish]

i am still around donnyboy!

just been over the border in cambodia for a few weeks and couldn't access my account for some reason.

quick prediction for this weekends match. have to agree with sadman about the situation concerning the aussies tight 5, its always been an area that they have struggled with, especially in the scrumaging department. but, it may be at the break down that they will most probably get found out and how quickly they can respond to fast moving 2nd, 3rd, 4th......... phase ball.

i will go for the all blacks to take it by 15 points.

[Donnyboy]

another come from behind win from the men in black 23-22 whew!

It seemed like the ABs were flat during most of the game, making plenty of errors. Lineouts werent as good when Mealamu came off and kicking generally lacking in direction. Allowing the ball to bounce after kick offs.Carter was sorely missed. Cruden, the new first five, played so-so imo.The Wallabies werent too bad up front for most of the game i felt, although MCaw was superb to the breakdown, the aussies backline were pretty good and they were lucky with the Ashley-Cooper try where the ref was clearly in the way of a few ABs before the ball went wide.

I not sure if the AB team of old could have come back from being 22-9 down in the 2nd half, but this team has the self belief and confidence to do it, and that showed alot of ''character'' as Graham Henry put it.

And dont write off the Wallabies just yet.

[sadman]

Well, just shows what I know, I guess!

NZ tinkered with their side, but their self-belief stood them in good stead. I feel sorry for the Aus players from 6-15, who all did a day's work but were let down yet again. Can't make my mind up about Beale - he'll do a couple of really dumb things, then show a touch of brilliance.

McCalman (sp?) will go on getting better and better, guided by Elsom and Pocock (IMHO the Aus find of the decade). Genia and Cooper are a decent pair, and Giteau looks world-class again at 12.

I'm looking forward to NZ, Aus and SA coming to England this autumn. At a guess, NZ will smash us, Aus will be too close to call, and SA will either bash us up or get bashed, depending on what the buffoon De Villiers decides to do with his side.

[tigerfish]

well the aviva premier league has been under way now for a few weeks and northampton look like major contenders for the title this season. will be interesting to see how the league pans out over the season with the usual suspects away from their sides on international duty, plus other distraction like the heineken cup, that other one(forget the name now) and the anglo event too.

exeter seem to have rattled a few cages in their opening two games on their premiership debut, wonder if they and the likes of leeds can cause a few more upsets along the way. and i wonder if the big powerhouse clubs might just get their noses put out of joint a bit this time round. certainly looks as if my clubs wasps aren't at the races this year.

should be a revealing season in more ways than one, might be just the kick up the backside the engligh rfu needs !

[tigerfish]

cant believe the wasps v leicester game was such a high scoring affair ! although i must say that i am slightly relieved that the result swung our way, even if it was a last minute try that sealed the victory. looks like cockerill has got his work cut out this season, especially in getting leciester solid at defending their own line. far too many points leaked, mind you they have always been a side that gave away needless penalties.

northampton go marching on with a win over bath and exeter chalked up yet another win to continue their impressive form in the premiership. saracens and l. irish seem to be getting their act together, but gloucester look like they might have a struggle on, to stay in the top flight along with leeds. pretty much par for the course as far as the other teams are concerned.

[sadman]

Yeah, TF, I agree about Cockerill's task. They'll do some good work then make daft errors. I have always felt that Geordan Murphy has serious faults, and losing Moody to Bath was a major blow, but for my money the real problem is that with Flood injured, they don't have a quality 10. Staunton gives it a go, but I think he was injured as well, so their problems will only compound - and wait until the internationals are called away.

I really hope that Exeter do well, but my fear is that when the good teams start playing well again - and they will - they may be left behind. Rob Baxter isn't a premiership head coach yet, and some of his side aren't fit enough to last 80 mins at that intensity, as the game against Leicester showed. On the plus side, they've just signed a Fijian from the Stormers, so that may make a difference. Exeter have good players, great spirit etc, but are so reliant on Steenson's boot that if he gets injured or loses form, they may really struggle.

Saints and Irish are looking good, but Gloucester don't seem to be able to decide what style of rugby they want to play. They'll start the Redpath way, wide and expansive, using the back 3 a lot, then revert to sticking it up their jumper. Anything past 3rd phase leaves them confused.

Should be good season, though.

[Donnyboy]

Air NZs new paint job for its first new aircraft for its domestic route

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1XubCSbP6g

[tigerfish]

Air NZs new paint job for its first new aircraft for its domestic route

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1XubCSbP6g

blimey donnyboy

are you on the night shift at the moment or back down under for a while.

i know your an early riser, but 3 am in the morning !

[Donnyboy]

Just a few weeks time before the All Blacks end of year/NH tour team is announced

you may have remembered awhile back the name Sonny Bill Williams in one of my posts. He is starting to look the goods for Canterbury in the domestic competition. Very skillful at offloading the ball in the tackle and has some speed as well. We might see him in the black jersey soon imo. see him play in the video from about 1 min 20 secs in

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tajcnq8ci80

[Donnyboy]

All Black team announced yesterday. predictably Sonny Bill Williams SBW is named

He should be making an impact off the bench during the tests imo, wait to you guys see him in action- dont say i didnt tell ya!

All Blacks: The arrival of Sonny Bill

[Donnyboy]

Why the All Blacks are beating Australia......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FnK9fn_4Ek

[lingbar]

Anyone know if the game next Sat from Hongkong is being broadcast here in Thailand?

or shown somwhere in Khon Kaen?

Hanging out for another AB victory...