The Rugby Thread

[GiorgioII]

I'm not convinced Robinson coming back is a great idea. All England's problems can't be solved by players coming out of international retirement. While I do think that he would be an asset, it's better to try and find a fullback for the long term. I think that most of England's current problems are down to only planning for short term gains.


Balshaw is a rubbish defender and not powerful enough in attack, whilst Lewsey is shifted between positions too much at club level to be an international 15 at the moment. Robinson brings experience and at the moment is still the best full back in England. I agree that we shouldn't bring other players out of retirement. The inclusion of veterans like Dallaglio and Catt make no sense to me as they clearly aren't the best players in their roles, but Billy whiz definitely is at the moment.

Once the world cup is over in a years time then I propose that the England management regime will look towards the future immediately rather than making the same mistakes they made after the last world cup.

[Rompip]

At last the SA public are starting to realise that Jake isnt the saviour he was touted to be. There is talk that Rassie Erasmus has been approached regarding the coaching position. Once again I think if Jake is replaced by Erasmus (big IF) we will be taking one step forward and two steps backwards.

[SiN]

I like the ALL BLACKS :)

[Rompip]

Well NZ were the deserving winners of this years tri nations. They were far away the best team in the tournament. If they had the opportunity to play a NZ "B" side in a 4 nations the "B" side would have been the only threat to the All Blacks.
My 15:

FB: C.Latham (Aus)
W: S.Sivivatu (NZ)
OC: M.Muliaina (NZ)
IC: A.Mauger (NZ)
W: L.Tuqiri (Aus)
FH: D.Carter (NZ)
SH: F.Du Preez (RSA)
P: Os Du Randt (RSA)
H: A.Hore (NZ)
P: BJ Botha (RSA)
L: C.Jack (NZ)
L: A.Williams (NZ)
F: R.McCaw (NZ)
F: P.Waugh (Aus)
8: R.Sooailo (NZ)

[Rompip]

The "Incredible Schalk" had a successful operation, and is already training!!! The man is incredible!

And with Luke Watson and Pierre Spies looking simply incredible, SA may easily have the best loose trio at the world cup. (assuming Jake picks Luke.)

[Rompip]

Kees Lensing has been quite unimpressive in the Currie Cup. His play has been so-so since he returned from Leeds, but he is far from his devastating form of last year. I think he has played far too much rugby. He has played two seasons without any break. I can see why you werent too impressed with him Giorgio.

[GiorgioII]

The "Incredible Schalk" had a successful operation, and is already training!!! The man is incredible!

And with Luke Watson and Pierre Spies looking simply incredible, SA may easily have the best loose trio at the world cup. (assuming Jake picks Luke.)

Really? Schalk is training already? This is great news. One of my favourite players around. Assuming Jake picks Watson? Surely that will never happen!

Sorry I haven't been on here too much lately, got a bit distracted with stuff. But the Autumn Internationals are nearly upon us and they always bring a set of superb matches. I am hoping that England can cause a few surprises. Andy Robinson has named a youthful squad and although Leswey is a doubt with injury I hope he goes with the following:

1. Sheridan
2. Chuter
3. White
4. Kay
5. Grewcock
6. Sanderson
7. Lund
8. Corry(c)

9. Perry
10. Hodgson
11. Cohen
12. Allen
13. Noon
14. Cueto
15. Lewsey

[GiorgioII]

Kees Lensing has been quite unimpressive in the Currie Cup. His play has been so-so since he returned from Leeds, but he is far from his devastating form of last year. I think he has played far too much rugby. He has played two seasons without any break. I can see why you werent too impressed with him Giorgio.

I just didn't get to see him play that much. The Leeds matches weren't on TV that often and when they were Lensing always seemed a bit anonymous. I'm looking forward to the clash with the Boks in a few weeks time Rompip!

[GiorgioII]

Anyway, I'm off to watch Edinburgh against Leinster in the Heineken Cup. Hope the Rugby unit of Rompip and FAJA are doing ok. Hope to be having some old time debates with you soon!

[GiorgioII]

Wales 29-29 Australia

What a great game that was. It looked like Wales were out of it after about 30 minutes but they managed to recapture some of that Grand Slam winning form. Their backline is very much like the one that won the 6 Nations that year and Henson was back to somewhere near his best. James Hook who came on for the injured captain Stephen Jones was phenomenal for someone making his first 'big' appearance. Chris Latham though was the stand out performer. He is amazing. Perhaps the best back in the world after Dan Carter?

[Rompip]

Just watched Ireland hammer the Boks. It was sad.

O'Gara and Stringer ran the show.

What did you think of NZ vs Eng??? Dan Carter was sublime.

[GiorgioII]

The series is over and the only thing that I think we can conclude is that New Zealand are by far and away the best side in the world. Currently only two sides could give them a decent game; South Africa and Ireland. The Boks for all their faults do have 11 players to come back into things and can at least stand up to the All Blacks physicality.

In terms of an English perspective I hope Robbo goes. Until he does I will be supporting Ireland.

World XV on current form:

1. Woodcock
2. Ledesma
3. Hayman
4. Jack
5. O'Connell
6. Collins
7. McCaw
8. Leamy

9. Kelleher
10. Carter
11. Rococoko
12. D'Arcy
13. O'Driscoll
14. Sivivatu
15. Latham

[Rompip]

Robinson OUT!!!

It had to come.

[GiorgioII]

Vickery named new England captain
Tuesday January 02 2007
Robinson brought out of retirement
New England boss Brian Ashton has named prop Phil Vickery as his new captain and summoned utility back Jason Robinson from international retirement for this season's Six Nations Championship.




Phil Vickery: England's new skipper

Ashton, who succeeded Andy Robinson as head coach just a fortnight ago, has made an immediate impact with the first squad of his reign.

Wasps prop Phil Vickery will skipper England to the 2007 Rugby World Cup instead of Leicester's Martin Corry, whose 14 games in charge included the dismal November Test series earlier this season which produced Twickenham defeats against New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa that ultimately cost Robinson his job.

Vickery's fellow Rugby World Cup-winner Jason Robinson, meanwhile, returns to England duties some 15 months after quitting Test rugby.

The 32-year-old Sale Sharks fullback won 39 caps before stepping down in September 2005.

The Six Nations squad also includes uncapped Saracens centre Andy Farrell, London Irish fly-half Shane Geraghty and fellow rookies Tom Rees and Dan Ward-Smith, in addition to an injury-plagued Jonny Wilkinson, but Lawrence Dallaglio misses out.

Ashton finds no room for Wasps number eight Dallaglio in either the senior squad or an England Saxons - formerly known as England A - party, which features Rugby World Cup trio Ben Cohen, Ben Kay and fit-again Saracens flanker Richard Hill.

"I am delighted to have been named in the squad and am looking forward to meeting up with the players at the end of the month," said Robinson.

"My focus at this moment in time though is leading Sale Sharks on Saturday evening in a must win game against Gloucester at Edgeley Park."

The squad will get together for a three-day training camp in three weeks' time as they prepare for the Six Nations.

England will begin their campaign against Scotland at Twickenham on February 3.

England squad:

Backs: Iain Balshaw (Gloucester), Mike Catt (London Irish), Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks), Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers), Andy Farrell (Saracens), Toby Flood (Newcastle), Shane Geraghty (London Irish), Josh Lewsey (London Wasps), Jamie Noon (Newcastle), Shaun Perry (Bristol), Jason Robinson (Sale Sharks), Peter Richards (Gloucester), Paul Sackey (London Wasps), Mathew Tait (Newcastle), Mike Tindall (Gloucester), Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons).

Forwards: Alex Brown (Gloucester), George Chuter (Leicester Tigers), Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers), Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers), Perry Freshwater (Perpignan), Danny Grewcock (Bath), Magnus Lund (Sale Sharks), Lee Mears (Bath), Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers), Tim Payne (London Wasps), Tom Palmer (London Wasps), Tom Rees (London Wasps), Stuart Thompson (Northampton), Phil Vickery (London Wasps, capt), Dan Ward-Smith (Bristol), Julian White (Leicester Tigers), Joe Worsley (London Wasps).

Some good choices and some slightly odd ones. Vickery as captain is what we have all been wanted. He is the team's natural leader. Robinson out of retirement could be inspired as well! I am a bit dissapointed about the exclusion of Goode to be honest, even if I am not his biggest fan. If Wilkinson does not get back to his best then we are left with Flood and Geraghty both of whom are inexperienced. Mike Catt should not be there. He is approaching 50!:D The forwards have been picked very well in fact.

My side:

1. Freshwater
2. Thompson
3. Vickery(c)
4. Palmer
5. Grewcock
6. Worsley
7. Rees
8. Ward-Smith
9. Richards
10. Wilkinson
11. Lewsey
12. Farrell(where is Allen or Abbott?)
13. Tindall
14. Cueto(where is simpson-daniel?Ashton is meant to be a massive fan!)
15. Robinson

Maybe there is hope after all:smoking: .

[manfan1523]

god i miss the days when wilkinson was on top form. i like your side giorgio, it gives me some hope.

[dexboii]

god i miss the days when wilkinson was on top form. i like your side giorgio, it gives me some hope.

init england used to be well good when jonny was at his top form. its all gone down hill since we won the world cup :sad:

[Laury84]

well guys the six nations is started....the last weekend the games ended:

Italy 3-39 France
England 42-20 Scotland
Wales 9-19 Ireland

and the next games are:

England vs Italy
Scotland vs Wales
Ireland vs France


who will win?Im sure that we'll be the last one (as usual)...but maybe we'll get a tie in just 1 game (I really hope that...:))

[autobus]

well guys the six nations is started....the last weekend the games ended:

Italy 3-39 France
England 42-20 Scotland
Wales 9-19 Ireland

and the next games are:

England vs Italy
Scotland vs Wales
Ireland vs France


who will win?Im sure that we'll be the last one (as usual)...but maybe we'll get a tie in just 1 game (I really hope that...:))

I watched Italy-France & England-Scotland, I sufferd for you
but I got a question if I may, why the hell you'r in this tournament??
but

[Laury84]

I watched Italy-France & England-Scotland, I sufferd for you
but I got a question if I may, why the hell you'r in this tournament??
but
well u should imagine how I was in that match...:sad:...but its rugby and I dont get angry....I know that we are nothing compared to the other nations but at least we give our heart and we try...did u see the last year the match against Wales in Cardiff??we got a tie....and it was great!!maybe we'll lose all the games...but we'll try to do our best...

and why we are in the 6 nations? coz u (the other 5 nations) invited us...so dont say bad things thanks

[autobus]

6 nations results :

Ireland 17-20 France
Scotland 21-9 Wales
England 20-7 Italy

6 nations standings :

1. France
2. England
3. Irland
4. Scotland
5. Wales
6. Italy

Once again

[autobus]

:d

[Laury84]

did u see our match against England???If u saw it u CANT say that we didnt play well....we did a great game!and every single english fan can tell u that...

[autobus]

I didn' see it,
at least, it was a little bit better than the last one
if you keep like that, it will be ok

[Laury84]

I didn' see it,
at least, it was a little bit better than the last one
if you keep like that, it will be ok
no really the man of the match was an italian player...we did a great game...really...

[GiorgioII]

I would like to point out, without seeming rude, that anyone who questions Italy's participation in the 6 Nations, autobus, obviously doesn't understand Rugby.

In the forwards Italy have a pack which is capable of destroying opposition packs. Easily one of the top 4 forward packs in the world. It is just in the backs where Italy struggle. They have a few good players coming through though. In 5 years Italy really could be one of the best sides in the world. In my opinion the 6 Nations is better off with them, shown by their great performance away to England.

England. Again hit by injury. Robinson out for the massive Ireland game. Wilkinson could follow him out. Shame.

I was shocked by Ireland's defeat to France. Really thought they could do it, even without O'Driscoll. On their day the 2nd best side in the world, but when they let the occasion get the better of them they are definitely chokers.

Team of the 6N thus far:

1. Milloud
2. Ibanez
3. Castrogiovanni - ITALIAN
4. A W Jones
5. Bortolami - ITALIAN
6. Parisse - ITALIAN
7. M Williams
8. Chabal

9. Ellis
10. Wilkinson
11. Robinson
12. Dewey
13. D'Arcy
14. Paterson
15. Morgan?? No Full Back has shone yet in my book.

[autobus]

I would like to point out, without seeming rude, that anyone who questions Italy's participation in the 6 Nations, autobus, obviously doesn't understand Rugby.

In the forwards Italy have a pack which is capable of destroying opposition packs. Easily one of the top 4 forward packs in the world. It is just in the backs where Italy struggle. They have a few good players coming through though. In 5 years Italy really could be one of the best sides in the world. In my opinion the 6 Nations is better off with them, shown by their great performance away to England.

England. Again hit by injury. Robinson out for the massive Ireland game. Wilkinson could follow him out. Shame.

I was shocked by Ireland's defeat to France. Really thought they could do it, even without O'Driscoll. On their day the 2nd best side in the world, but when they let the occasion get the better of them they are definitely chokers.

Team of the 6N thus far:

1. Milloud
2. Ibanez
3. Castrogiovanni - ITALIAN
4. A W Jones
5. Bortolami - ITALIAN
6. Parisse - ITALIAN
7. M Williams
8. Chabal

9. Ellis
10. Wilkinson
11. Robinson
12. Dewey
13. D'Arcy
14. Paterson
15. Morgan?? No Full Back has shone yet in my book.

BRAVO!!

[Laury84]

Scozia 17 Italia 37 :D olèèèèèèèèèèèèèèèèèèèèè!!!
Irlanda 43 Inghilterra 13 :D olèèèèèèèèèèèèèèèèèèèèè!!!
Francia 32 Galles 21 :(

and we are not the last one anymore!!! :cheer:

[GiorgioII]

Congratulations to the Italians who did superbly in defeating the Scottish. It was their first ever away victory and was thoroughly deserved. 3 interception/chargedown tries gave them a helping hand at the start, but as they say, they all count!

Ireland demolished England in what was a historic and important game for various reasons. I cannot complain. Ireland are a really strong side. Hopefully Ashton will learn his lessons, as I think he is flexible unlike Robinson, and we can move on.

France continue their assualt on a Grand Slam and are looking like good bets to do well at the World Cup in September/October. It is worth noting though that France could only beat Wales by 32-21, whilst the All Blacks demolished Wales by 40 odd points in Cardiff. There is obviously still a massive gap between the two sides.

[ooaapaulmcgrath]

comeon ireland!!!!! 43-13! in croke park aswell! wheres ulster21 now!!lha

[Laury84]

oh sorry guys I wrote all the countries names in italian! :lol:
well its

Scotland 17 - Italy 37
Ireland 43 England 13
France 32 Wales 21
wonder why we call Wales Galles??? :rolleyes:

btw wow it was a great weekend...we won and ireland won over england! EXCELLENT" :D

[autobus]

I think everybody have understand

[autobus]

guess who is gonna win?

[Laury84]

I think everybody have understand
well oh...mr funny...hav a laugh! :lol:

[manfan1523]

well oh...mr funny...hav a laugh! :lol:
Good one on italy. they have something to be proud of in the world of rugby now, unless they bought that game as well. just kidding:D . more than can be said for the ***king english. that was embarrassing

[Laury84]

Good one on italy. they have something to be proud of in the world of rugby now, unless they bought that game as well. just kidding:D . more than can be said for the ***king english. that was embarrassing
no that game was awesome!!Im so happy for Ireland...

it seems that for the match Italy - Ireland will come to Italy more or less 18000 irish! :D....I think that I'll go to Rome...:lol: :p

[manfan1523]

your so happy for ireland? cant figure that one out.

[Laury84]

your so happy for ireland? cant figure that one out.
I love Ireland...:D

[manfan1523]

Oh well not everybody's perfect:D

[Laury84]

Oh well not everybody's perfect:D
oh cmon.....Its an awesome country....100 times better than England...:D and Dublin is better than London in my opinion! :p

[autobus]

no that game was awesome!!Im so happy for Ireland...

it seems that for the match Italy - Ireland will come to Italy more or less 18000 irish! :D....I think that I'll go to Rome...:lol: :p

there will be more irish people than italians in the stadium flamino :lol: :lol:

[Laury84]

there will be more irish people than italians in the stadium flamino :lol: :lol:
no no....I think that will be half and half....they wanted to play the match at the Olimpico...but they already sold the tickets....

[autobus]

they r gonna crush you anyway

[Laury84]

they r gonna crush you anyway
of course...but it will be an awesome match!

[BRISTOLUK]

Another good win for Italy.

And to think some opposed their entry to the six nations because they weren't 'good enough'.....twits.

[Laury84]

yeah I cant believe it...Im really happy....A great win...and whatever will happen with Ireland...it will be an amazing six nations for us...

[Laury84]

the last results:

Scotland 18-19 Ireland :D
Italy 23-20 Wales :D
England 26-18 France :D

what can I want more than that???? :D

now the situation is:

Country P W D L For Against Points
France 4 3 0 1 109 67 6
Ireland 4 3 0 1 98 60 6
England 4 3 0 1 101 88 6
Italy 4 2 0 2 70 96 4
Scotland 4 1 0 3 76 107 2
Wales 4 0 0 4 59 95 0

the next games are

Italy vs Ireland
France vs Scotland
Wales vs England


but I can say that,for the first time,there is a real 6 nations and not a 5+1 nations....WOW!!! :D

[autobus]

bye bye grand chelem :worried:

BLOODY ROSBEEFS

[Laury84]

^^so autobus what do u think about us now?

[Fanbace]

Well England looked very good against France. I am hoping they can keep improving and retain their World Championship.

[autobus]

^^so autobus what do u think about us now?

keep playin football:lol:
:lol:
:lol:
:lol:
:lol:
:lol:
:lol:

[FAJA]

bye bye grand chelem :worried:

BLOODY ROSBEEFS

It had to happen eventually, this is the first time England has beaten France since the world cup semi final.

Also, to be fair the championship is still there for the taking for France, they still top the table on points difference and although it's possible (nearly happened two years ago) I very much doubt Scotland will beat France in Paris which leaves the Irish needing to beat Italy by 4 more points than France beat Scotland. England realistically to win need to put 50 or 60 points past Wales in Cardiff which won't happen.

[Laury84]

keep playin football:lol:
:lol:
:lol:
:lol:
:lol:
:lol:
:lol:
well u're showing how mature u are...u should tell us "good job".

[autobus]

OOUAAAAAAAAIIII
COME ON WALES!!
kill the rosbeefs

[autobus]

and the winner is...

http://blogsimages.skynet.be/images/001/117/805_39dccc39cfdddf6aed00fa72526181ac.jpg

anyway everybody knew it, nobody save the all-black can affraid us
now, it's time to the world cup in France, rugbyland

[autobus]

Irlande - France was by far the best match to seen from the 1rst till the last second, when 89th minute, they though have win then Clerc "save the day"

[Laury84]

in the end I think that France has to thank us for their win....

I'm so sorry for Ireland...:(

[autobus]

ok thanks a lot
you have reduced the difference, we took the adventage, great

[Laury84]

^^^yeah if it wasnt for us...Ireland would hav won....we did a great six nations...we made history for italian rugby....we played great in every single game except the first one against France...too bad that Ireland didnt win...coz they're great.

[autobus]

;)

[Rompip]

Is this thread still active?

[Nabeel]

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[autobus]

Is this thread still active?

Wait the world cup in France in September...

[GiorgioII]

Wait the world cup in France in September...

Didn't quite work out did it!!

Congrats on the WC victory Rompip!! Who is your favourite to take over the job? What do you make of all these rule changes coming into play in the Super 14?

[Wabbit]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh france..........what a good WC for us :D

[Andygers]

^ lool yeah you certainly thrashed them....Twice!!!!

But why did you have to beat Scotland :(

[Wabbit]

Because they were easy....haha nahhh...it was our duty man, we knew it was gonna be hard but we did it ;)

Now we were invited to be part of the tri nations!!! :D

we r gonna get our asses beated severly but oh well...

[Banlegendfjh]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh france..........what a good WC for us :D

And a good one for us too, reaching the final. England, still the ONLY nation on this green earth that has won BOTH football and rugby world cups. :smoking::smoking::smoking: