Rugby matters

[????]

3/10 Matthew, must try harder

[matthew123]

and 5/10 for you ;-)

No I thought England were poor - Wales haven't exactly been ripping up trees last 12 months but from what I saw in 2nd half it looked to me the decisive moment was the incorrect call on the knock-on when it actually went forward off his chest and should have been a try for Wales.

[saintsabrina]

What an exciting British triumph! The sin-binning really gave it that extra edge I thought... Racking up those extra 17 points when Alun-Wyn Jones was put in the bin - money can't buy gold moments such as these in rugby! I wonder how Wales will go against the 'almighty' Scots next week? Let's hope at least some of their dignity can remain in tact for the remainder of the season!

[Mick Mac]

England beat Wales. A British triumph. I presume you are expecting the Welsh to bite on that comment?

[Ted Max]

Well it was both a British triumph and a British disaster, I suppose.

It was a shame that yesterday when the North British backs finally turned up with a smidgen of invention and penetration, the pack chose to have a real stinker. France looked good, though. Especially first half.

[Narnia]

Us West Brits were fairly crap on Saturday apart from one good try where it seems(according to a West Brit journalist) there were 3 forward passes involved!

[????]

I think us Anglo-Saxons will improve but will be more in the hard to beat camp rather than firm favourites one.

[titch juicy]

Up The Angles!

oh, and whoever suggested Hoopers as a venue- thank you...will be a regular rugby haunt from now on

[Narnia]

I think you are well aware Hoopers suggested Hoopers.

[Nero]

This might be of interest. It's a discussion about violence in sport, mainly rugby.

[Magpie]

Its the violence that attracts people to Rugby . . . .

[Narnia]

I had nothing to do with my attraction to rugby. Are you a rugby fan? If so I presume you are talking about yourself. If not, how can you make such a statement?

[Magpie]

Oh dear, I was being flippent.

Part of the attraction of rugby over football to me, both from playing and watching, is the physical aspect of the game. You're telling me there is no violence in a scrum, or a big hit, or a rampaging forward on the charge batting off the tackles? and if it all boils over into a bit of fisticuffs then it shows you that the games is being played on the edge, as it should be at its most intense.

[matthew123]

Ah I think we've been down this path before but as for me I like Rugby (not as much as football mind) because of the running rugby rather than the neanderthal back/neck breaking, eye gouging confrontations which seem so acceptable to some but mind numbing to others.

[Narnia]

Sorry Magpie......the written word can be easily misinterpreted.But I agree with Matthew that it is running rugby that makes the game attractive to the majority. Only those who have played in the scrum really know what goes on there. Sadly, with the professional era here and players being stronger and fitter, the backs have very little room to make a break. The game has descended into a war of attrition mostly.

There needs to be some changes to the laws as they stand as there is too much end to end kicking which is boring to watch. The scrum half seems to have all day to decide what to do with the ball and in taking all that time the defences are all the more prepared. Only France in the NH will do things on the spur of the moment usually taking everyone including team mates by surprise. On the other hand they are also the most guilty of foul play in the forwards.

I wonder by the end of the 6 Nations, how many matches will be classified as being great. One or two max I'd say. Still wont stop me from watching though....just in case.

[Narnia]

Irish cheats

This is a bit rich coming from our sporting cousins accross the water!

[Mick Mac]

This try was the most pain I had ever experienced watching rugby. This try was all that prevented Ireland winning a grand slam in 2007. Thankfully last years grand slam put that pain to bed but it hurt like hell at the time.

As a result Vincent Clerc, the scourge of the Irish, is drafted into my fantasy team. He always does the business against Ireland.

[????]

Have you got a clip of Henry's handball anywhere 'to hand' Mick?

[Mick Mac]

Declan Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Irish cheats

>

> This is a bit rich coming from our sporting

> cousins accross the water!

They have drated in Thierry Henry for the big game in Paris today. He has shown exemplary handling skills and makes his debut on the wing.

[Mick Mac]

But we have the best centre in the world. And you always have a chance with O'Driscoll in your team. Even in Paris.

[matthew123]

Looking forward to that Ireland v France game once Wales have snuffed out Scotland - sounds like a real grudge match in Paris. Have to say though I hope that both games are won by playing to the spirit of the rules rather than gamesmanship.

[Mick Mac]

not snuffing them out so good so far Matt. They have a game on their hands.

[brum]

What an amazing last 5 minutes at Cardiff!

[david_carnell]

Quite the most extraordinary finish to a game of rugby I have ever seen. Scotland must be heartbroken. As the land of my fathers I must say I'm disappointed. To have led for so long only to lose through ill-discipline is galling. A much improved performance than against the French however.

[Narnia]

I didn't think Scotland were that bad against the French David. However as for today you have to wonder how they lost. They were the better team. Next match is bound to be boring after that!