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If Hartley scores against England that would make him world class in my eyes.
(PS every time I see Lawes on the pitch I expect a red card, but apparently he has mended his ways.. Hmmm)
Whilst we are on the subject who are your biggest penalty magnets, past and present?
I mean when they appear on your team sheet you just think oh bugger..
I go for:
Lawes
Hartley
Moody
And I forecast:
Farrel.
Richie McCaw (almost any AB in fact) but some how the refs never see them.
Yeah that's the opposite definition, Richie McCaw is a penalty repulser.
(PS every time I see Lawes on the pitch I expect a red card, but apparently he has mended his ways.. Hmmm)
Agreed. He does, however, appear to have got his head together a bit more recently. He certainly was a bit of a liability before. I'd be interested to see him play at 7, though. As a real 'trouble maker' in the Jean-Pierre Rives or Finn Calder. But with more pace. And less hair.
And I forecast:Farrel.
He certainly does seem to have a temper on him!
How has Matt Stevens avoided mention? Every time I see him waddling onto the pitch I think "oh please no"
Whilst we are on the subject who are your biggest penalty magnets, past and present?
The Claw Peter Clohessy and DOC.
Edit - The nightclub attached to Clohessy's bar in Limerick is called The Sin Bin, well named in so many ways.
Lawes has just taken on Grewcock's roll.
For a while it was Ryan Jones for Wales. He'd have a fantastic 10 mins, a bit of magic, set up a scoring opportunity, then back in his own half give away 2 or 3 penalties to let the oppo score.
AWJ too.
Taken from sky sports:
""I'm ready to score when everyone else is ready to put me in the opportunity," said Ashton"
Is it me or does that read like it's been spoken by an arrogant twunt?
Finley Calder is one of the dirtiest buggers I ever played against,but not as bad as his brother Jim who also got a few caps.Actually a few of them were very good adverts for pro teams,you didn't have to play against internationals in club games anymore and try to walk on a Sunday. While Fin is well remembered for the chasing of an up and under onto the Irish 15 in the WC quarter in,91? He earns extra points for being sacked as Stu Mel coach for spending half time commenting not on the hammering they were getting,but instead discussing how well upholstered a female spectator was.
Notice good example for any aspiring skipper,knocks somebody sparko and berates the ref for making him do it. 😆
Kwality scottish kiss there. That gave me strange pleasures to watch..
It's you 😉
There is far too much over analysis these days. As an Englishman, I am used to listening to oodles of chippy crap directed our way. But what is the latest attack of the All Blacks all about. So they write on a whiteboard that they are the most dominant team in the world. And this same arrogant accusation crops up. What a crock.
First, it is true. Second, even if it wasnt there is no harm in writing that for "internal" use. Pro sport is largely decided between the ears. The AB, Ashton and anyone else would be able to write, say, think whatever it takes to make them mentally ready. For the rest, "sticks and stones......" or stopping being over sensitive bunnies. This is rugby after all 😉
We'll I agree in principle. But the way I read it was than the feels he's a divine right to score but his colleagues need to put him in that position., not so much focused on him making an effort. Which in the game of rugby is true, but then again I always applied myself as os centre to look for work in disorganised play, with one eye on positioning. I
Or that he is blaming the others for a lack of decent ball? Which may be a fair point but he has been in the wrong place at the wrong time a fair bit too..
Anyway if that is what he means he ought not have said it.
I think Ashton has bigger things to worry about, like "why do I hate tackling so much?"
But that wouldn't do too much for his currently lack of confidence! Time for a rest from 1XV IMO. You either pick on form or youf dont. And Ashton is not in form (and he can't tackle - did I mention that?)
In the past, he certainly went looking for the ball (possibly too much?) but isn't that all due to confidence again?
Last year I was watching my son play at school and trying not to see the scores, Then had a quick look and watched us go into the early lead. Having a cup of tea after the match, the AB had just scored quickly and it was a case of , "here we go." Fortunately didn't look again and so could watch the recording and enjoy it all the more.
I expect a return to normality this year and to get a bit if a 2H whipping. Our backs simply aren't up to scratch at the moment to beat the best in the world. But we can dream....
teamhurtmore - MemberBut we can dream....
Or feed the ABs dodgy prawns.
Again.
🙂
We leave that stuff to the bokkas, IJ !!!! (allegedly) they do it better and at more important times!!!
(but I had forgottent that story)
teamhurtmore - Member
I think Ashton has bigger things to worry about, like "why do I hate tackling so much?"
He's about to find out. I've got £5 with anyone that Nonu goes straight through 10/12/13 at least twice. I'd have £10 that one of those break will lead to a try as Ashton gets sucked in/falls off a tackle.
Oh god, I'm just going to start the inconsolable drinking now..
Ashton plays 14 does he not, so lining up opposite Mr J Savea 😀
Surely the ABs will be looking to give Ashton some much needed tackle practice
As for penalty machines....I'd go for Phil Vickery 2006 sort era and Matthew Stevens for his entire career as the worst in my memory! Vickery especially... be it the scrum or in open play was an absolute machine!
Jim Hamilton has to be up there in the current crop!
ijs445ra - Member
Ashton plays 14 does he not, so lining up opposite Mr J SaveaSurely the ABs will be looking to give Ashton some much needed tackle practice
Ashton will be drawn inside him, and he'll be left to Brown. I think they'll run at the centres, knowing that they'll break the line and/or Ashton will be drawn in to create acres of space. Then they'll be at least 2 AB's running past Ashton at Brown.
IMO, this game could be drawn or lost by Wood/Vunipola/Robshaw/Launchbury/Lawes playing out of thier skins.
Jim Hamilton has to be up there in the current crop!
I ****ing love Jim Hamilton. Exactly what a lock should be.
The ABs will be running at the centres all afternoon. They are far too shrewd to miss the weakest link. I reckon Nonu will get a lot of good footage for his highlight reel.
Just read the article about the All Blacks white board, one of the most insightful phrases into their motivation was - "We are playing England – this is about history, about human nature."
Hamilton tends to go straight for a 10 min rest so he can only do that once a game,so I feel you are being overly critical. He has a wee girl,can you imagine being the poor sod who knocks on that front door in 15 years 😀
Savea; 6"4" and a hair under 17 stone. Was Ashton playing last year because Savea scored two tries.
As for penalty machines BM is right about the Claw and DOC but could have added in any of 6 or 7 other Munster forwards over the last 12 years especially Alan Quinlan. I
Toys; the landlord thread has finally convinced me you and Zokes aren't the same person 8)
Oh and if you ever need a plasterer for this Aberdeen property empire...
That's "Big" Jim Hamilton, thankyouverymuch.
Penalty magnet I give you Peter Rogers 😆
You'd think 'Big' was his christened name. In fact I think he's actually a unit.
Another penalty magnet vote - James Haskell
That's "Big" Jim Hamilton, thankyouverymuch.
Schoolboy error, apologies CFH.
Ducky, bloody zokes, I have had his back umpteen times, is there no loyalty!
My empire is down south, but I will remind you to my ABZ mates who are all burgeouing capitalist scum.
I forgot about Haskell, he defo made me worried every time he stepped on the field. He is apparently trying to get back into the england set up for '15.
one of the most insightful phrases into their motivation
The worst thing is to let the opposition know that you fear/respect them.
Yep Haskell is too but for all the wrong reasons....he just doesn't seem to have a clue what he's doing!
Rhys Priestland at centre of tug-of-war as Clermont and Gloucester target Scarlets and Wales outside-half
14 Nov 2013 06:00
oh ffs!
surely even rhys' decision making couldnt be so bad he'd pick Glaws?
I do think an Wales exiles 15 would be a good match for a domestic international 15. Perhaps the exiles may lack a bit in the forwards, certainly nothing lacking in the backs.
Welsh internationals playing (or soon to play) outside the Rabodirect Pro 12? Not all integral to the current squad but not a bad bunch to pick from! With a lot of contracts up at the end of the season the WRU need to get their stuff together!
[u]Back 3:[/u] Tom James/ George North/ Lee Byrne/ Aled Brew
[u]Centres:[/u] (Jon Davies)/ Jamie Roberts/ Gavin Henson
[u]9:[/u] Mike Phillips/ Tavis Knoyle/ Martin Roberts
[u]10:[/u] James Hook/ (Rhs Priestland)
[u]Front row:[/u] Paul James/ Marc Jones/ Craig Mitchell/ John Yapp/ Rhys Gill/ Gethin Jenkins
[u]Second Row:[/u] Dom Day/ Luke Charteris
[u]Back Row:[/u] Dan Lydiate/ Gareth Delve/ Jonathan Thomas
Gethin is back at the Blues but yes not a bad team. Fat git at Sale Lewis-Roberts to replace him on the bench (providing its been reinforced).
Need a Hooker.... Did Bennett retire in the end?
Good point on Gethin, don't know how I missed that. Perhaps it was all the talk from the Wales camp that he has lost 5kg since joining the squad and I instantly assumed if was the Top 14's fault 😀
Lewis-Roberts can play where he wants I wouldn't argue with him 😀 Suppose you could technically also put Andy Powell in on the action too in an Exiles squad having joined Wigan.
I think not letting any Hookers leave Wales must be the RFU's masterplan to ensure a Wales exiles 15 can't exist 😆 I can't think of any and Bennett has retired as far as I know
Some more international 10's in England: Ceri Sweeney and Nicky Robinson
Closest Hooker I can find is Dan George at Glaws although he only represented Wales at age grade...
Nevertheless it does seem to be a very Welsh problem for club rugby to keep their top players. Presumably the Rabo is a not particularly wealthy league to start with which doesn't help, the Scots have fewer teams for the Union to not have to spread pennies so thinly and do the Irish take home more of their earnings? If not then how do the Irish clubs hold their key players (Sexton excluded)?
The flip side of that coin is that clubs lose their stars then they have to develop talent and give them a go.
Irish get good crowds too but the tax relief is a big thing.
Ceri Sweeney dear God, sad thing is he has more international caps than Henson 🙁
Oh and the wru spend all the money paying off stadium debts. The regions will reach a point soon where their crowds dwindle even more and the game will die on its arse. Pretty soon the regions will struggle to qualify for the larger cup ( or whatever its called these days).
The Ceri Sweeney wiki says he is keen to be the first Welsh international to play in Russia 😯 He might be doing ok over the bridge (haven't kept up much with the Aviva) but the Blues did him a favour getting rid of Nicky Robinson as he was starting to peak and getting in Sam Norton Knight for Sweeney to keep getting regular game time 😆
Last I heard Henson and Sweeney were playing ten against each other for the exeter and bath seconds.
That sounds quite good fun, I think I'll go and watch
Ah wait, I'm already in a corporate box and I'll be too drunk to see!
Nicky Robinson is at brizzle now, and we're very happy to have him. I know he blows hot and cold but an under rated player IMHO.
Spare a thought for Smiler today
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-rugby-stars-wear-special-6310616
Just heard how big Retallick is 😯 he is a big unit.
It's a longshot but England can win today. Important not to give NZ any cheap penalties and play a smart kicking game to keep the pressure on them in their half. NZ don't respond well to being behind and under pressure.
I am extremely pessemistic about this. We have zero.zero chance.
Have you turned welsh? Theres little chance but theres always hpe.
@toys19 last year all we could speak about before the game was how we where going to get battered. A win today is very unlikely but it's possible. NZ didn't look that good against France and where under pressure for long periods, France gave them too many cheap penalties.
AA no. I have much more hope for Wales today.
Jamblaya. Yup fingers crossed..
Oh dear...
The legs might be gone but that is experience!
Can we keep each other updated 10 nil wales so far.
Steve walsh getting involved.
Wales doing well, England 4 points behind already.
Given ABE, is it OK for me to be supporting Argentina?
4?
Eng3 ab15
Carter makes it 17
Am I allowed to mention failure to deliver?
20 nil
Wales - Argies game woeful. At least the pissed up crowd is enjoying it. Time to watch a dodgy internet stream from twickenham I think.
North try?
England try disallowed. Hmm
Why woeful ref doing a nice job and its a good open game. Argies unlucky so far that young winger looks exceptional only 19.
20:3 now
Now we have try. After grindingnit out on the line for about 10 years.
Who.is your ref?
Farrel c 10-17
Can we have a gif of that Hibbard hit later on please a_a 🙂
Carter limps off. Cruden on
Robshaw and vinopula are awesome.
Getting quite interesting in Twickenham since that England try isn't it? Far more enjoyable game for the neutral than the one in the millennimum.
Nice kick from Cruden there...20-10 at Twickenham.
Is it just me, or is jiffy pissed?
This really ought to be ten minutes for someone in a black shirt.
EDIT: Indeed it is.
I dontbthonk eng will win but I am notbashamed
K ried yellow. Happy days.
Lacey of Ireland.
Farrel p e 13 nz20
Dunno though toys, I think there should have been a penalty to the ABs before the yellow card incident. England player held on, ref missed it leading to a new ruck...
Interesting ten coming up though. 🙂