Calis Beach and Fethiye Turkey Discussion Forum
General Topics => Other Sports (Not Football) => Topic started by: valleyboy on January 29, 2013, 11:16:06 AM
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Well it's that time of year !, when us die hard Rugby Union fans start salivating looking forward to the start of the Six Nations Championship this Saturday 2nd February, when Wales v Ireland (13.30); England v Scotland (16.00); and on Sunday 3rd February Italy v France (15.00).
After the World Cup, last years Six Nations, and last Autumns test matches, it promises to be a fascinating tournament, England must feel that they are in with a good chance of success after their inspiring performance against the All Blacks in the Autumn; France always there or thereabouts depending on their mood on the day !; Wales suffering the highs and lows over the past year !; Ireland always strong when it counts; Italy on the up and continually improving; and Scotland unfortunately in the doldrums with a lot to prove. All the ingredients for a "battle royale" !.
So, all you like minded folk of all nationalities let's open up this to some amateur "punditry" (not sure if that's even a word !), and post match analysis, all littered, no doubt, with a liberal sprinkling of "banter" (good natured of course ! ;) :)).
Good luck to all involved and let's hope the Championship lives up to it's prospects !, I'm sure it will bring lots of cheers ;D, smiles :), and tears :'( .
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Hi Valleyboy, it's going to be interesting, but seeing as I'm a Valley's girl there is only one team!! :D
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My daughter is about to be married to an Irishman. Which is absolutely good news and to be celebrated. Unfortunately, she is to be married next Saturday. By my calculations I shall be making my Father of the Bride speech, welcoming the groom into the family, whilst the Wales v Ireland game is still in progress. It could be a trifle tricky.
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Seize the opportunity Colwyn - big screen TV adjacent to the reception room with the head usher in charge.That should keep some of the boys off the Old Growler away from the bar ! I wish you all a memorable day.
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I hope Scotland do better than I am expecting - that shouldn't be difficult :(
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I hope Scotland do better than I am expecting - that shouldn't be difficult :(
I share your hopes H but i doubt it.
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My first marriage took place on a day when Wales and France was playing, France won, it was an omen!
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This is a time of year I really look forward to :D. I meet up with a few 'old' teammates on saturday afternoons, and we watch the 6 nations over a few beers :), and plenty of good banter. Superb.I think England will win with Ireland a close second. ;)
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England are just the bookies favourites with France a close second.H you can get 33/1 on Scotland winning the title.
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Hi Valleyboy, it's going to be interesting, but seeing as I'm a Valley's girl there is only one team!! :D
I sure hope so Shameless, but it'll be tough to rally after that disasterous Autumn test series, and we've got a lot of injury problems particularly in the second row, but let's not start with excuses ! :), and let's keep the faith ;).
The "craic" should be mighty at that wedding Colwyn ! :) ;).
The only way is up H, good luck !.
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I always have a loyalty dilemma at this time: I consider myself English but am Scottish by Birthright, married to Irish, & my surname has Welsh connections. Can I be 4 faced? - yes if it suits and saves me from a ******************** (make up your own word/s) ! :-\ ;D
Can't wait for the action to begin. Are England going to find one of their old scripts and be boring and will the French, under St Andre, soar? The Irish have a new skipper, the Taffs are going to be dangerous, the Scots have nothing to lose, and the Italians will always be entertaining. Bodes well for the most interesting tournament of recent times.
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Jondo, it should be entertaining to watch you spontaneously combust trying to support all 4!!! At least you've been saved the humiliation of having any French Connections, (unless you wear FCUK)
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My one hope would be for all six teams playing open expansive rugby.
And dare I say that I hope that applies especially to England. They are capable of playing great rugby but it always seems to me that they rely too much on gaining penalties and kicking their way to victories.
Off to the bunker.....
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But we have the best national anthem!
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Absolutely no doubt. As I have said many times before there is no finer sight or sound in sport.
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Predictions; Always tough in the Six Nations, particularly before the start of the tournament, but here goes, here are mine; -
Wales 21 - Ireland 17 ( only because of the home advantage)
England 37 - Scotland 12 (sorry H !)
Italy 13 - France 30 ( guess really !)
What are yours ?
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You're right Shamless2 though rugby supporters generally keep their combusting behind closed doors! One group always worth supporting are the referees (no I'm not one - tried it once - no likey!): at least they are respected by the players! Although a certain Andre Watson is one I'm not a fan of since he tried to give Australia time to beat England in the '03 World Cup Final - even though his decision making was generally good during the rest of the game! It did raise some eyebrows at the time - nuff said!
I digress. Bring it on!
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The Welsh rediscover their "appetite" for rugby !! ;) :D :D
http://youtu.be/7X_CLf80FsQ
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That was so funny, thanks for the link.
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Had to share this!
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Predictions; Always tough in the Six Nations, particularly before the start of the tournament, but here goes, here are mine; -
Wales 21 - Ireland 17 ( only because of the home advantage)
England 37 - Scotland 12 (sorry H !)
Italy 13 - France 30 ( guess really !)
What are yours ?
The result of chosing 'white' for England makes it look as if you think anyone could beat Scotland 37-12 ;)
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Wales 22 : Ireland 30 - Exciting game of 2 halves, all Ireland first half, all Wales 2nd half, just left themselves too much to do !, still great defence second half by Ireland to keep a rampant Wales out for long periods, outstanding performances by the "master" Brian O'Driscoll and hooker Rory Best, strong Welsh performances by Toby Falatau and new boy Coombes !.
Well done Ireland, and now onto the Calcutta Cup match England v Scotland.
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Everything crossed here valleyboy, although I have to say I fear the worst :(
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Good luck to all. North and South of the border.
Not really.......C'MON ENGLAND!
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Wales didn't take advantage of their chances, but a great 2nd half. Come on Scotland the brave!!!!
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England 38 : Scotland 18 - Well the result was much as expected with a very powerful England performance, but credit to Scotland for a passionate and "gutsy" display, very commendable !; all in all a very entertaining first day of the championship (even though Wales lost !! :( )
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Two great games and the thing that struck me most was just how much football can learn from rugby union.
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Well the match finished about ten minutes before we sat down for the "Wedding Breakfast" so that I had to make my speech to a banquet room full of guests that included about 50 Irish folk and tell them that I welcomed Mark into the family despite the calamity in Cardiff earlier in the afternoon.
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We were over at Calis this afternoon, Dawn Beech was open.
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Italy 23 : France 18 - Well didn't see that one coming ! lacklustre French performance , but can't take anything away from "whippin' boys no more" Italy, really put the cat amongst the pigeons !, great performances by World class Peresse and veteran prop Castrogiovani - Well done Azzuri, bellissimo !! :) :)
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Having missed the games yesterday I was looking forward to treat this afternoon. I certainly got one. What a fabulous game. Real quality football by the Italians. Well done Parisse and his boys.
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Agree 100% Colwyn !, that's what the 6 Nations is ALL about ! what a game of rugby and when all is said and done a very entertaining first week end and the salivating will continue throughout the week until next week ends battles commence :); hope the wedding went off without too much "ribbing" from our Celtic cousins ;) :)
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Italy outstanding ...or....should it be Argentina? Parisse brought up in Argentina, Orquero & Castrogiovanni born there! Orquero did it for me. Without his spark it may have been very different and he was described by Jeremy Guscott as a 'Journeyman' ! Well, his time has come even if he is an old man at 30!
It's gonna be tough for the Scots - the Azurri will be riding high on confidence and...they have some of that flair we used to admire in the French! Used to....!
O'Driscoll - Irish Cream!
The Welsh are going to relish France - it's goin to be a craaacker!
Owen did ok for England! What's he got to do to convince everyone he's the man? ! England looking solid but the Irish at home on the back of that first half exhibition of how the game was designed to be played are going to be hard to craic !
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Well the second week end of the Championship is "just around the corner" with; Saturday 9th Feb. Scotland v Italy (14.30) ; France v Wales (17.00); Sunday 10th Feb. Ireland v England (15.00).
Mouthwatering prospects for these fixtures, Scotland "the brave" showing lots of character and determination against a very strong England last week end with their first home game against a tremendously inspired Azzuri after their incredible home win against France, surely now a force to be reckoned with !; France will be "fired up" after their poor performance against Italy last week, (ah ! that infamous French temperamental way !), Wales looking to up their game after a diabolical first half performance, let's hope they can play like they did in the final 30 mins from the kick off this week ;) :); Ireland, always passionate and strong, particularly with home support behind them, though it's early day's, but England must now look favourites with a very powerful squad, I think this fixture could be their toughest obstacle !.
Al in all, can't wait, good luck all !, and "let's get ready to rumble !!!" :) :) :)
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Here's a statistic to raise the eyebrow. Brian O'Driscoll has not lost an international game against England since 2003!
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A great servant to his country Colwyn and a great rugby player.
I think the Scotland v Italy game could be a classic especially if Scotland can cut down on the penatlies against count.
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A great servant to his country Colwyn and a great rugby player.
I think the Scotland v Italy game could be a classic especially if Scotland can cut down on the penatlies against count.
Agreed H should be a great game after last weeks performances, good luck !
I think O'Driscoll and Ireland are going to be England's toughest challenge of the tournament !
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A great all round performance from the whole team and a fabulous win.
(Despite the new strip :-[ :-[ :-[)
Hope Gérard Depardieu is happy. ;)
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Very well deserved victory for the Scots but I felt a little sorry for the Italians; everything they tried went wrong because of tiny errors, and this twice let their opponents in for a try. Worried about what's coming next though. Especially since Hilary has declared, with confidence, "I think Wales will win".
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34 - 10, Great result for Scotland, it's great to see them finding the try line again !!, and I like the strip H ! :), what a difference a week makes in International Rugby !, Orquera amazing last week, this week terrible even the talisman Perisse making mistakes, gutsy performances from Favara and Masi, Scotland players did well agree with Laidlaw for MOM also Hogg and Harley did well, but for me the unsung hero is Scot Johnson (coach), obviously making a difference !! :)
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6 - 16, Well the "onslaught" was unfounded, a crap game really, but a win is a win !, it's really quite sad to see France at the bottom of the table ! (or is it ?????). :-\
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Yes valleyboy a win is a win.
A poor game on an even poorer pitch.
I thought the French were dire and are really where they deserve to be in the table.
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Hilary is now being very smug about her rugby prediction ability. I don't mind because it's good to have a win at last - even from such an ugly game where defence was so much better than attack. She now says it will be tricky but she thinks Ireland might win.
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Sent from my SHED using CarrierPigeon v2.1.
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Ireland 6 - England 12, well it was never going to be pretty, and the weather didn't help, England's composure and discipline with the addition of Owen Farrell's tremendous kicking abilities shone through for a deserved win. With 2 home games ahead of them must make them favourites for the Championship and a possible Grand Slam !
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Not a great advert for the game was it :(
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;D ;D :DYes not a great game but good pnts for England.
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Yes, must be looking favourites now, but the drama is starting to develop nicely !!, they will need all their strength in depth, composure and discipline, with a long way to go, a "wounded" France at home are bound to "kick in" at some point during the tournament (or will they !), and dare I say it Wales in the final game in Cardiff, we have been known to "spoil a good party" !!! ;)).
Any way a week end off this week, to mull it all over :) :)
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Well, round 3 approaches with; Italy v Wales (Sat. 23rd Feb 14.30); England v France (also 23rd 17.00) and Scotland v Ireland (Sun. 24th Feb 14.00).
Let's hope all well rested and bruises healed for the next installment !! :)
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That must have been some insult that Parisse handed out to the referee to get a 40 day ban. If they applied this in soccer then Saturday pitches would be home only to tumbleweed in a fortnight's time. I understand that Italy are now going bring back
Berlusconi Bergamasco.
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Yes, would like to have been a "fly on the wall" there Colwyn, a bit drastic to say the least, although it could be good news for us Welsh supporters, it's a bit of a shame for the game's sake as I, along with true followers of the sport I'm sure, always enjoy watching Parisse play. :)
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So England or France ?????? ;) :-\
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Quite so. An outstanding player.
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England v France. I can't believe that France can play as badly as they did in their first two games and the team changes certainly seem to have strengthened it. However, I still think England will win. There can not be excuses about waterlogged pitches and chewed up turf this week but I still suspect that this might be one of those grinding England win.
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Italy 12 v Wales 21
England 30 v France 19
Scotland 16 v Ireland 24
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So you think England are going to make horsemeat of the French?
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As the one and only Bill Mclaren once famously quipped
"15 stones of Prime Scottish beef on the hoof"
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Italy 9 - Wales 26; Well again, not a pretty game, conditions didn't help (torrential rain in Rome), so the obvious handling errors came into play as well as the obligatory wet weather aerial "ping pong" !, nevertheless a win is a win particularly nowadays in Rome, Welsh scrummage did well against the powerful and experienced Azzuri pack, and Leigh Halfpenny like a stalwart in defence and his kicking, deserving once more his man of the match status !.
That was today's Hors D'oeufs, now the excitement mounts for the England v France main course, I can't wait to see which French team turns up at Twickenham today, I have heard they've picked players that are used to their position !! ;), England should be still too powerful and organised for Le Bleus !! :)
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England 23 - France 13; Intriguing first 52 mins, then the great St Andre coaching error of the replacements being brought on, causing the French to digress into the same standard as their first 2 games !. England stayed in control and their replacements actually made a big difference (to the positive), not perfect , but another strong England performance, Robshaw immense !!! - Picamole for France.
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After the substitutions didn't work St Andre says lessons will have to be learned. Let me help him with this. Write out one hundred times:
Michalak is not a fly half.
Michalak is not a fly half.
Michalak is not . . . . .
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I don't really understand some of these coaching decisions, they seem so elemental, even to us "couch coaches", but they keep doing it, why ? ??? ???
And agreed Colwyn !
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I've got a sneaky feeling , you may have a pleasant surprise in today's "clash of the Celts" H !! ;)
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Hey - a win's a win.
PHEW :D
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To quote an old joke:
Q . . . Why do the girls love Irish men?
A . . . They can be on top for 70 minutes and still come second!
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;D ;D ;D
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I've got a sneaky feeling , you may have a pleasant surprise in today's "clash of the Celts" H !! ;)
Scotland 12 - Ireland 8; Well I was right, but How they did it with those stats., I don't know (eg territory 76 %, possession 71 % (to Ireland)) ????? - But as you say a "win's a win", I think Scotland will pose a tough challenge for Wales in the next round of games ! :)
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Another weekend without a 6N game. I think I've got withdrawal symptoms.
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The truth will out ;)
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H
So what's your opinion on this afternoon's game? Both teams with a disastrous recent record but both coming good in the last two games. Home advantage giving Scotland a boost but I'll be getting my red shirt out of the drawer soon and backing our lads to do it. Should be a cracking game.
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Weather might be a factor Colwyn.
Looking forward to the best, and possibly the second best National Anthems.
Sadly I think it will finish Scotland 14 Wales 23.
Good luck ;D
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The conceding of penalties and decision making by Scotland were both terrible. :(
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What a dire game not helped by the referee. But at least we know what to do if a meteorite threatens the UK as on did in Russia a weeks ago. Just put Leigh Halfpenny under its track and he will catch it.
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Scotland 18 - Wales 28, Well that was possibly the worst game of Rugby Union I have ever seen in my life !, bold statement indeed, but stat from the "Beeb", most penalty / attempted penalty kicks in any International test !, says it all :( , only saving grace was a good return performance by Sam Warburton and another consistent performance by Leigh Halfpenny, who surely is putting up his hand for a cherished Lions place down under.
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Michalak? Why? I suppose he might have a good game and prove everyone wrong, but I fancy Ireland to send France on to the wooden spoon,
And H, the second best 6N anthem is coming up shortly.
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Ireland 13 - France 13 - Ireland failed to capitalise in the 2nd half and France picked up a bit, last 10 minutes the pitch resembled the opening scenes from "Saving Private Ryan" !!!, should O'Driscol gone back on ??, his poor wife was having kittens !!, I understand he's a very brave player, but there's a very fine line between bravery and stupidity I guess ???.
Agreed why, why, why Michalak ???? - Picamole outstanding, despite Frances poor 6 Nations maybe one of the best players of the tournament.
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England 33 - Italy 13
Spirited early performance from Italy but totally over run by powerful England in the last quarter.
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England 33 - Italy 13
Spirited early performance from Italy but totally over run by powerful England in the last quarter.
Sorry but what game were you watching? Final score was England 18 Italy 13, with England pretty lucky to win....
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ah but you got to allow for buffering... ;D
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philrose
would you care to look at the time of my post ;)
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Ah! So it was a prediction.....Not a very accurate one as it turns out... ;)
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But nor was your version of the score - and that was after the game!
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;D ;D ;D Classic !
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Ooops! :)
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So just 4 sleeps to the "big showdown" at the Millenium Stadium on Saturday !, you can feel the excitement building already in Wales which will no doubt end up in a frenzy by Saturday, let's hope the game lives up to it's expectations and that Wales can come up with a more entertaining game of rugby, as the last 3 games (although wins) have been pretty dire spectacles, unfortunately this seems to be the product of the modern games coaching methods and tactics, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere.
Let's hope that the venue, sense of occasion, and national pride (plus a sprinkling of magic from the rugby fairy !!), all come into play and will make it a game to remember !!. :)
Good luck to both sides and here's to a great game !!
P.S.
We have been known to spoil a good party !!! ;) :)
http://youtu.be/Ph_qG5NYbUc
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come on England,i think there might be a few leeks,in the Welsh defence.
but i think its going to be a hard game,
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Absolutely, Valleyboy.
There are teams that rise to the occasion to beat England because they respect the team and it enables them to measure where they are in their own ability. Such teams are:
France, Ireland, Argentina, etc
But there are teams that have it in their genes to have to, absolutely, and under all circumstances, beat England any which way they can since to lose confers a pain and suffering felt throughout the valleys, the Outback ((who cares about their pain ; ) )) and beyond.
These are:
Australia*, and Wales** (*We won’t bring up world cup refs down under again! **The unfair use of the Rugby Fairy! Such an inappropriate image for this game!!)
This makes Wales such an effective team when they face down the English and doubly so when it is on home turf. It is, as Valleyboy suggests, set up for a real humdinger. As you say, Valleyboy, the excitement in Wales is building and probably nothing else will be talked or even thought about this week. That is why it’s such a special occasion. It has come about, not by a decision from a committee, or any political wrangling but, may I suggest, the Rugby Fairy sprinkling his, or her, magic already, Valleyboy! As a result, I believe, the game will be a showcase of rugby and will provide a fitting bookend to match the Italy v France game of the first weekend.
As to who will win? – I’m sitting on the fence but the biggest winner will be the game itself – I’ve no doubt it will be an awesome showcase. Pity Gatland’s selection task after this!
This is why we love rugby and despite the essential, and entertaining, niggling between the sides before, and by the players during the match, we can all share a beer afterwards and talk about what might have been.
I can’t wait!
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Nice one Jondo - well said ! Let's hope the game lives up to all the hype....
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Nice one Jondo ;) , yes as you say,let's hope it's a real humdinger !.
I can't wait either :)
Any one fancy a prediction ?, because I wouldn't like to call it !
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Well I will be in pub in Twickenham on Saturday and look forward to an enjoyable game for all of those who are interested regradless of who they support.
I was in a Welsh bar in Rome a few years ago for the Italy/Wales game, by chance rather than planning and we all had a great time as the atmosphere was 1st rate, which is what I am hoping of this weekend.
For all those who will watch here and there have a great time and I will be hoping England with pull of the Grand Slam after so long, I did say hoping!!!
Enjoy.
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I see France have again selected Michalak at fly-half. I an sure that every Scottish fan will be praying that he suffers no mishap or illness between now and Sunday that might require his replacement.
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Good point Colwyn, but since the French are bereft of #10s they have little choice it seems. The danger is he turns in a half decent performance and then at least we'll get to see more of Fofana in action. Michalak does provide a variation option in that he can go 9 and Parra 10 but I can't understand why they haven't gone for this option from the off!
Still, the Scots seem to be developing their own style and haven't disgraced themselves really. The French are there for the taking but it is nonsensical to start the game so late. Didn't they had frozen pitch problems last year?!
Will it be an anticlimax after the Wales England game? What will be their motivation? Methinks many empty seats in the Stade.
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A good starter course and well done Italy. A big match from Parisse again but loss of discipline from the Irish. Who would think of O'Driscoll stamping on a player lying on his back? But I didn't see Ireland winning even if they kept 15 players on the field. Wales' bad luck that the only good 40 minutes they played in the 6N was the first half against us.
Now on to the main course.
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Good performance Azzuri !, the Irish Physio is going to be busy !, as Colwyn says on to the main event of the day, Cardiff is absolutely buzzing !, let's hope the game lives up to the hype ! - POB LWC I GYMRU !! :)
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It could be a classic - certainly hope so :)
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This scrum business is a total nonsense aggghhhh
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Half time and I'm knackered just watching it !! - What a game !!
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Absolutely incredible - the physicality is simply awesome :o
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Yes yes yes a try
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I cant get it Vipbox bloody internet.
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What a score 30 to 3
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Well done Whales a few beers to Mr Steve Walsh tonight me thinks...........remember him, enjoy your moment, well played!! http://www.theweek.co.uk/rugby/52001/rugby-steve-walsh-six-nations-england-wales :-[ :(
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Wales slaughtered England plain and simple.
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I always find that it is best to get beaten out of sight than pipped at the post. That's certainly what happened.
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BM06 perhaps you would like to enlighten us on how Steve Walsh influenced the outcome of the game.
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English commentator has just said that you cannot judge England's performance on this "one bad result" !! Twat !!
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Wow! Who saw that coming? Wonderful all round performance. Wales better in all parts of the game, but crucially in clear thinking when opportunities arose. But ... did Leigh Halfpenny actually make a mistake today? Shocking!
[P.S. Can't imagine that any true rugby fan would blame the referee.]
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H read my link, and you must have had ITV on, or perhaphs you are not a follower of rugby football rules because Mr Fickle Walsh should never been appointed by the IRB for such an eagerly awaited clash. England were never going to win with 20 on the park as soon as this cretin was appointed, imho the match had only one out come, we England have a history with this official, pathetic choice by the IRB, fact.
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Have to agree with Scunner....
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BM06 you are entitled to your rant but you haven't answered my question about today's match.
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Wow! Who saw that coming? Wonderful all round performance. Wales better in all parts of the game, but crucially in clear thinking when opportunities arose. But ... did Leigh Halfpenny actually make a mistake today? Shocking!
[P.S. Can't imagine that any true rugby fan would blame the referee.]
Colwyn if you truely believe that P.S then as you say not a true rugby football fan. Well done enjoy your moment.
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BM06 you are entitled to your rant but you haven't answered my question about today's match.
I think I did "you must have been watching ITV" >:(
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I'm not saying a word ! ;) - Well maybe one "OUTCLASSED"
:) :) :)
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Sometimes I wonder why some of my fellow countrymen are so pleased to rub Englishmen's noses in the dirt; at other times it is blindingly obvious. A superb match.
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Yes, a great match . . . If you're Welsh! Not quite the same point of view for some of us English folk! We'll get over it. . .eventually.
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But, seriously, a great day in Cardiff, great atmosphere, great open game of rugby, a great advertisement for the game, was breathless after the first half; Tipuric deserved MoM, in fact Wales back row immense, I still think Robshaw will be Lions captain (or deserves to be), Wales really peaked today, unfortunately for England, physicality, passion, tempo and experience all played their part ! -England can still be pleased with their performance in the tournament and surely have a great foundation for the future.
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Your comments are always fair Valleyboy.
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Thanks Lotty, I'm a passionate Welshman, but I also love the sport and like to watch good entertaining Rugby, whoever is playing :)
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I have got to say, the best team won. England played schoolboy rugby and I am so ashamed I will be sending an e-mail off to the English RFU tomorrow, I feel so incensed. That is not taking anything away from Wales, they turned up with an attitude of "lets win this game", England turned up with an attitude of " lets see what happens", disgraceful. Well done Wales, a deserved victory.
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Valleyboy, I can tell you love your rugby my husband also agrees with your comments. He knows a bit about the game having played for Middlesex and still running a London 1 club. I have to say he's gutted today though!
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BM06 clearly believes that the referee did England no favours at the scrum. But all of the other stats didn't stem from that and the most telling is surely 2 tries to nil
(http://s18.postimage.org/ksu6zjk85/wales.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/ksu6zjk85/)
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BM06 clearly believes that the referee did England no favours at the scrum. But all of the other stats didn't stem from that and the most telling is surely 2 tries to nil
(http://s18.postimage.org/ksu6zjk85/wales.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/ksu6zjk85/)
Where and when did I clearly say or imply that ? delusional, off to bed now H with a nice warm cocoa :-X
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Well done Whales a few beers to Mr Steve Walsh tonight me thinks...........remember him, enjoy your moment, well played!! http://www.theweek.co.uk/rugby/52001/rugby-steve-walsh-six-nations-england-wales :-[ :(
Sleep well BM06
To me the quote clearly implies that you believe the referee favoured Wales over England in some aspects. I admit I did assume that you meant at the scrum.
Whilst acknowledging your right to have a rant, I did invite you to specify what you meant.
So what exactly did you mean when you said "a few beers to Mr Steve Walsh tonight me thinks"
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slightly thrashed one would say. ;)
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Could have been worse Alain Rolland could have been "reffing" ! ;) - I think BM06 maybe referring to Mr. Walsh's history with the booze H, he's been a bit of a "lad" in the past and had a run in with the NZRFU over it ! - but in all fairness I don't think a different referee would have made much of a difference yesterday.
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Lets get a reality check here BM06. I admit to believing refs such as all those mentioned above are not up to the job. The sooner the likes of Glen Jackson (Kiwi, ex Saracens - just 3 years ago) get the big games the better. BUT, having said that, any team knows that some decisions will go against them and in the first 30 minutes you have to take on board how the ref sees things and adjust to that - no ref EVER changed his mind, it's against the laws of the game!
The reason England lost so ingloriously was that they were outscrummaged. The Welsh front 3 were outstanding and simply bullied our boys around. Without winning set pieces the attacking options are drastically reduced. Maybe there was a touch of laissez faire about England's approach. In fact, on Friday Lancaster was recorded as suggesting that if England win they could go on to dominate the world - or words to that effect. He lost it for England right there and then as he should have maintained his 'one match at a time boys' attitude! The England camp should be ashamed of themselves.
The Welsh deserved the win and managed to coax a great deal of magic from the Rugby fairy! The scrum did their job and the winger, Cuthbert, obligingly scored the tries - simple - just the way the game was designed!
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I agree Jondo,England were outplayed,
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Nice summary Jondo, an intelligent and constructive response :)
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Thanks Valleyboy. I would have preferred to have written about how England outplayed Wales but instead I have nothing to crow about. Still I shall remember how the tournament was lit up by Cuthbert, Tipuric, Jones, Jones and, lastly, Orquera for Italy. Some great memories there - sadly none with an English flavour! However, England were the opposition and therefore did make a contribution to coax the magic from the Welsh Rugby Fairy! (I expect
she, it looks like Max Boyce - just to get a butch image going of the fairy!)
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Had to laugh at the reason for Owen Farrell's (one of only two England players) inclusion. Sums up matters rather nicely :)
http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/player_of_rbs_6_nations.php
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Absolutely, where's the relevance of being 'most talked about'? Except that it's because we've all been asking when he was going to perform. No guile and flat-footed most of the time. Although my son played him in junior club rugby (Fullerians v Harpenden + OF) and he was playing up a year so clearly
has had talent! Maybe he will blossom in time (another dodgy image - sorry!).
A footnote to previous views & thoughts - England beat NZ comprehensively........and they are too proud to ever make excuses but I suspect that the All Blacks were under par in that game and even Italy, I suggest, could have beaten them!
"New Zealand's preparations for Saturday's Test against England have been disrupted because of a sickness bug
which has swept through the squad. Head coach Steve Hansen revealed all but two members of his squad have suffered with
diarrhoea and vomiting."
So, talk of a complete England revival were, IMHO, premature. And didn't the Welsh show them up a taf ! ;D