The Rugby Thread

[Stan Hullis]

May as well have a dedicated thread.

Quite a few changes for the England team in the second test match. Farrell + Care return along with Twelvetrees and Burrell with Manu out on the wing so we're definitely going for it.

Will Savea have the last laugh for the All Blacks though, he's dangerous.

 

[Tredman]

Top man! Just came on here to start a rugby thread.

Bit worried about today's game, the all blacks will be more on it and I'm not sure the changes, other than care, make us any stronger.

 

[Stan Hullis]

Yeah it is going to be a very tough test match

 

[Stan Hullis]

Got to love the drama of the Haka

 

[Tredman]

Bit overrated to me, most of the players are not even from NZ, let alone Maoris

 

[Stan Hullis]

What a start! Get in!

 

[Tredman]

Brilliant start, playing brilliantly all over the park

 

[Donegal Wolf]

Bit overrated to me, most of the players are not even from NZ, let alone Maoris

Very lazy journalism possibly true 20 years go with the likes of Lomu, nowadays NZ are no worse then anyone else for that and infact better then most. Looking at the squads today, I am fairly certain (without going through each players birthplace) all of the All Blacks are born in NZ, whilst England have 2 born in the SH (Hartley and Vunipola).

Think all the six nations are far worse then the All Blacks, Ireland now are recruiting young project players from the SH (Strauss, Payne) to play for the provinces knowing that in 3 years they will be eligable to play.

As for the match today, really like the look of this England time, will be a serious prospect in the World cup at home, the All Blacks just have that knack of winning at the moment, starting to now find the gears now today.

 

[Tredman]

Just looked it up and 3 AB players are born outside of NZ.

Agreed they are all as bad as each other, England very much included. I just find the Haka a bit bizarre and not really relevant to most of their players. Id rather just get on with the game, than have this silly focus on one team prior kick off - but that's probably just me.

Think England's tiredness is showing through this half, the team last week looked much fresher.

 

[darlowolf64]

Has Brown scored??

 

[Tredman]

Yes.... Well maybe

 

[darlowolf64]

Yes and converted...Back in it?

 

[Stan Hullis]

Yep 28-20 now.

Lets just finish strongly and see where we get.

 

[Stan Hullis]

Ben Smith has been immense today - MOTM

 

[Donegal Wolf]

Just looked it up and 3 AB players are born outside of NZ.

Agreed they are all as bad as each other, England very much included. I just find the Haka a bit bizarre and not really relevant to most of their players. Id rather just get on with the game, than have this silly focus on one team prior kick off - but that's probably just me.

Think England's tiredness is showing through this half, the team last week looked much fresher.

Oops I stand corrected on that bit.

I used to love watching the haka, was lucky seen it a few times live and it was a nice tradition something different in the pre-match (but about 10 years about same time Adidas got involved with them) they started getting very precious about it).

Agreed think tiredness has taken its toll on England, it is a hell of a lot asking players to play 3 matches away to the AB after a long season.

(useless fact - NZ wont do the haka unless there is a Maori in the side, only happened a few times, last time in the 60's)

 

[darlowolf64]

Another brave defeat! 28-27

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Could have won both these games! Unfortunately they went into overdrive at the start of the second half and we couldn't deal with it - but then who can.

So many positives to take, although I think Twelvetrees was a big weak link today, we have better options available.

 

[Donegal Wolf]

Plenty of positives, If you get out of your group (I think you will the Aussies are no great shakes) with the crowd behind you and momentum then you will be the big challengers to NZ at the World Cup.

 

[Donegal Wolf]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rug...-quick-out-of-traps-for-ireland-30356684.html

England beat Ireland in the semi-final of World U-20's to reach 3rd final in 4 years, meet South Africa in the Final.

 

[Stan Hullis]

Time to watch the Crusaders game - working from home does have its advantages!