Rugby Union thread

[Jono]

This thread is for general discussion on the sport of Rugby Union from the Six Nations to the Tri-Nations from the Super 14s to the Heineken Cup, it doesn't matter, this is a place to talk about results, match ups, players and the game that they play in Heaven.

The ELVs, I personally thing these rule changes have made the game better. After watching half a dozen Super 14 games and two Tri-nations game the pace and excitment of the game is much higher. I've seen various versions of these laws and in matches from the APC to the tri-nations. General I think the rule changes are good. Especailly like the changes to the laws on kicking out from your 22. I know the Northern hemisphere doesn't like these changes, they'll probably point to the Wallabies two wins as proof that these laws were introduced by Australia to make our team more competitive...like to hear what others thing about the rule changes (in general or thoughts on specific law changes such as bringing down the maul, no. in the lineout, etc)

On the Tri-nations, the Wallabies just won the first Bledisloe match plus their first game of the Tri-nations. I'm pleased with these results, but the Boks were a tired side when we met them after two hard games against NZ. We'll be in the same position next week, so it will be interesting to see how we cope. The All Blacks didn't play fantastic tonight, probably was their weakest team for 2 or 3 years but not a bad team, I just think that they won't enjoy the same level of success they have had (apart from World Cups) in the last 3 or 4 years.

On a side note, it looks like Sonny Bill Williams is heading to Toulons on a two year deal. It seems he just got on a plane today left the country for France to sign the contract despite having 4 years on his Bulldogs contract. It will be interesting to see where he will play, people seem to think he'll slot into the centres though if he has time to get use to the rule he would be a good flanker or lock.

 

[PlainSimpleJoel]

On a side note, it looks like Sonny Bill Williams is heading to Toulons on a two year deal. It seems he just got on a plane today left the country for France to sign the contract despite having 4 years on his Bulldogs contract. It will be interesting to see where he will play, people seem to think he'll slot into the centres though if he has time to get use to the rule he would be a good flanker or lock.

It's a disgrace what he has done. It's disgrace to the fans of rugby league and his club. I hope the bulldogs go through with their injuction to stop him playing for another other team in either code.

He is an asshole.

 

[Orac Zen]

Two thoughts:

* Absolutely stoked with the Wallaby performance last night, and have to agree that the ELVs aren't the ghastly nightmare some northern hemisphere fans have convinced themselves they are. Never mind that the IRB and a number of northern hemisphere officials are behind their introduction; they'll still be dismissed as a southern hemisphere "conspiracy" to "destroy" the "supremacy" of northern hemisphere sides.

* Williams is a spoiled, self-centred, money-grubbing frellwit. I despise the club he played for but they're absolutely within their rights to destroy his career prospects.

 

[Jono]

The ELVs actually increased the number of scrums in a game according to stats from the Super 14s. However, the lineout suffered due I think mainly to the change in the 22m kicking law and there been less long arm penalties. Which actual should disadvantage Australia more due to our weaker scrum but having one of the best lineouts, only NZ gets the best out of it because they have a good scrum but their lineout is usually slightly weaker then their tri-nations partners.

I never had a problem with SBW. Sure he use to get pissed and be a knob, but what 20-something guy doesn't? However, in the last 12 months my opinion of him has increased. Did feel sorry for him with the whole Willie Mason thing because it does seem like Willie helped the Bulldogs shaft him into a long term deal at a lower amount of cash then he is really worth. What gets me the most about what he has done is not the fact he has left for the money, league players have a very limited job life to earn as much as they can, its the fact he left with 7 weeks to go in the season, particularly as the Bulldogs are struggling at the foot of the ladder.

Had to laugh when the NRL called on the IRB to help them stop Williams. I very much doubt if someone like Giteau did the same and went to league that the NRL would do nothing to stop him moving over.

 

[Orac Zen]

The hypocrisy of the NRL and some league heavies has been a sight to behold. For decades they picked the eyes out of Australian rugby; since the boot's been on the other foot they've whined almost incessantly. And seeing David Gallop bleat about contracts is absolutely hilarious, given his starring role in so-called "super" league.

Williams I have no time for. No one forced him to play football for a living; he bitched about Mason's antics, but has done something even more spineless himself; and given his long run of injuries I for one don't think he was undervalued in the slightest. YMMV and that's fine, but 22-year-olds on $450000 a year playing (what is, realistically speaking) a minor sport in a small economy don't have a lot to whine about IMO.

 

[Jono]

Tonight was a real turn around. The question is either how importnat is McCaw to the All Blacks or why can't Australia win when they are overseas? The All Blacks played a good game, full of intensity and power and in the end the Wallabies had no answer. I think we did make one small selection mistake and that was to have both Smith and Waugh on at the same time from the start, we needed a big block like Elsom in from the start and then sub in either Smith or Waugh later in the game. However, given how well the All Blacks played I doubt it would have changed the result.

Still think the Tri-nations is for SA to win. The tail end is all in SA and I think that will be enough of an advantage that they will get the trophy. As for the Bledisloe, I think that Australia will win the game in Brisbane and that it will be all down to the match in Hong Kong in November(?).