You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
As I took my seat at Sixways yesterday afternoon, I leant over to my mate and said, "I know we're (Worcs) probably going to get a shoeing, but I'm really looking forward to watching Mr. Wade run".
After his second try, I added "I think I've seen quite enough of Mr. Wade now".
He is quite brilliant.
After one of his tries I was left wondering how the hell he got from a breakdown on one touchline to score at the corner of the opposite one faster than the ball that didn't stop moving and doing it invisibly - like the sleight of hand of a magician!
Got to be slot at Rio for him.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36029997
A fantastic game in the spring sunshine. Worcs playing some of the best handling rugby I've ever seen at 6ways. Very little in the way of ball handling errors: the interception tries really being as much as a result of the backs working more attacking lines. Just not always nailing them 🙂
And even Mr Doyle had an OK day...except for that forward pass...
The Rugby Paper is reporting that Sale have signed Mike Phillips to replace the retiring Chris Cusiter.
Not sure how i feel about that, he's a good player for sure, but yet agsin we sign a player with 'issues'. It worked out for Cipriani, turning him from damaged goods to a player wanted by the in form club in Europe, but spiky??
I'd be more concerned about his age!!
There is that too! He'll be 34 in August - mind you, Stringer isn't slowing down any is he?
Spiky will be playing 2nd fiddle & I expect to see James Mitchell playing more of a role next season as well.
Stringer is about as different a 9 as you could get. Phillips game is based around physicality which has waned. He'll be ok as back up though I suppose, expect lots of hanbags with opposition forwards!!
Phillips doesn't have issues... he is just small man with small man syndrome trapped in a back row's body 😆 Off the pitch he belives his own hype but isn't that bad really once you get past the swagger. Can't see him being especially great value for whoever he plays for but you could do worse I suppose
Is it Spikey that told his international replacement 'Congratulations you've retired a legend'or have I dreamed that?
Well that's 5 points from Bath thank you very much!
So a couple of questions about laws of the game.
The squeeze ball, thought it was a no no but it's back in fashion. Surely sealing the ball off.
Blockers to the 9 box kick. Deliberately stepping into offside position to block runners from behind the back foot.
Mmmm appears the ref forums discuss the squeeze ball not allowed U18/19. Debate is whether it is bridging or not.
Depends which laws are being reffed that week.
Strangest fixture scheduling ever ?
Top 14 playoff final will be held at the Nou Camp in Barcelona on the 24th June 😯
Capacity 98,000 and I foresee a half empty stadium (came across this as I was searching for tickets / dates at the Stade de France). Explanation given is that RWC pushed season back and Euro 2016 means SdF is not available
[url= http://www.lnr.fr/rugby-top-14/actualités/la-finale-2016-du-top-14-au-camp-nou-barcelone-1 ]linky[/url]
Cipriani double the legal limit when the crashed to the taxi at 5am - "allegedly"
[url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-36072864 ]BBC reporting of court case[/url]
More coverage here including an inference that Cipriani was given an extra 50 minutes to "sober up"
[url= http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/18/england-rugby-star-danny-cipriani-arrives-at-court-to-fight-drin/ ]Telegrapgh[/url]
from @CourtNewsUK on twitter (well worth following BTW):
CourtNewsUK ?@CourtNewsUK 2h2 hours ago Paddington, London
Danny Cipriani's lawyer claims the officer who dealt with him at the station was a rugby fan who purposely delayed his second breath test.
CourtNewsUK ?@CourtNewsUK 2h2 hours ago Paddington, London
The officer admits chatting to Cipriani about rugby as they waited for the breathalyser to load but said he wasn't given special treatment.
For all those who think I am overly negative on him this is why he's not selected for England, he's supremely talented but that's not enough
Top 14 playoff final will be held at the Nou Camp in Barcelona on the 24th June
It is a lot closer to the traditional heartland of French rugby than Paris, albeit the centre of gravity has changed alot in recent years.
For all those who think I am overly negative on him this is why he's not selected for England, he's supremely talented but that's not enough
Disgraceful if true but you didn't need this news to be overly negative about him. Seen every home game this season bar Montpellier (Surfer junior was 18 that day) and he has been a model professional, except for his kicking being shit.
I appreciate that and it was probably a big factor but it still seems a bit nuts to me. I haven't checked whether there is a Euro 2016 match on in Nice that weekend but that's nice new stadium although not large. Lyon is hosting the ERC but that's definitely being used.
@surfer - I've heard enough "rumours" to not be surprised about the drink driving incident. As I have said many times I'd kill to be half as talented at any sport as he is at rugby, that's probably the thing that frustrates me most about him. I was (or am) hardly tea total but given a shot at playing for England I think I could abstain.
I am sure he's been the model professional on the field (he had another good game at the weekend it seems) but its always been about off the field with him
Surfer - by the time it all comes to a conclusion he'll be Wasps 'problem'.
Personally, if he's guilty then take his license away for a good long time. No excuses about drink driving, but still his talent speaks for itself.
The reason he hasn't been picked for England is his poor kicking stats, they aren't anywhere near high enough.
He completely outplayed Ford yesterday, although to be fair young Ford was going all out to show himself up without any help. I knew it wasn't Ford's day when he kicked out on the full from the kick off & then seemed to hide the rest of the game - he had a fairly poor day with the goal kicking too for a current International player.
Grates a bit if he knows he was drink driving and hasn't just taken the ban on the chin. Everyone else seems to just consider it as a tax for breaking rule 1 and (hopefully) learns from it.
I keep hoping to see a new dawn from Cipriani, but he keeps letting everyone down.
I think Cip's exclusion from the international squad has as much to do with his age as anything else* - he's a bit old now to be putting into the squad at the beginning of this cycle. Best to try and develop the FHs they have into something that might help them win a game against SH opposition in a RWC.
* I also think Lancaster wasn't the kind of guy to take a risk on Cipriani. If he was younger, I think Jones is the kind of guy who would. But the ship has sailed for him now. Sale have had good service from him and I imagine Wasps will too - as long as he can behave himself back in London. 🙂
Wasps will too - as long as he can behave himself back in London.
[img] 
[/img]
Whereas in Coventry he'll be bored stiff?
Whanau
Chippy was supposed "tearful and upset" when arrested, couldn't stand or speak properly. I think that's what Private Eye calls "tired and emotional". After a test of 67 vs 35 I am at a loss as to why he's pleaded Not Guilty
[url= http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/18/england-rugby-star-danny-cipriani-arrives-at-court-to-fight-drin/ ]Telegragph[/url]
Sounds like they are going to try and claim that procedures weren't followed.
EDIT - I was close...from the BBC.
Philip Lucas, defending, told the court there was not "sufficient" evidence the breathalyser test in the police station was working properly and called for the case to be dismissed.The move came after the prosecutor and district judge raised concerns that legal proceedings were being "filibustered" and the case "derailed" by "unnecessarily complicated" legal submissions made by Mr Lucas.
@thegreatape - yes just read that - "lack of evidence" says the defence
Taxi Driver says he was drunk, I imagine his passanger may have given evidence too although I haven't read about that
Police station officers say he was drunk
Breatherliser failed with a reading at 67 vs limit of 35
I wonder if Cirpriani has or had any contractual terms about drinking issues which could be quite likely given his history. A good chance he could face wage penalties/clawbacks from Sale as well as Wasps. Sportspeople tend to be quite leniently treated for such things, I know companies where Drink Driving (at any time) is Gross Misconduct
The 'lack of evidence' his lawyer is arguing is that there isn't sufficient evidence that the machine was working properly. Without knowing exactly what they're arguing it's hard to comment on the merit of that argument, but the machines check and calibrate themselves every time they're used, and also flag up to the operator any irregularity in the results that might indicate an error. In those circumstances the police take a blood or urine sample, and since that appears not to have happened here it's reasonable to conclude that the machine appeared to be working just fine. But as I say, I don't know what they're arguing, could be something in it, could be clutching at straws.
clutching at straws.
this !
Read some of barrister Philip Lucas's other cases and make your mind up!
Whanau
?
3 week ban for McFadden. So thecref and video tef reviewed it and didnt even think it was a yellow!! Hope those ****s are banned too
Lyn Jones parted company with the Dragons, because of illness. Possibly because everyone is sick of him? 🙂
A rugby union player has been banned for 14 months, effectively ending his career, after he was found guilty of verbally abusing a referee after being sent-off.Silvere Tian, an Ivory Coast-born full-back who plays for French Top 14 side Oyonnax, was shown a red card by international referee Romain Poite during a league game against Grenoble on 2 April. Tian was initially sent to the sin-bin by Poite, but after being verbally abused and threatened Poite deemed the offence worthy of a red card and sent-off the 35-year-old.
That's a hefty sanction. There will be the inevitable comparison with other sanctions (or non-sanctions) but it shouldnt always be relativistic. His behaviour warranted it IMO.
That booty argentinian prop got a 29 year ban!
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/argentine-rugby-player-cipriano-martinez-banned-for-29-years-for-kicking-juan-masi-in-the-head-20160420-gobdmj.html
The French ban isn't that hefty as he reportedly went after Poite again after the game yet most of the media is describing the incident as a single costly moment of anger. It is however harsh if you consider this one incident is worth a longer ban than a career of Hartley's naughtiness (just!) 🙂
@wrecker thanks for that, justice done.
Looking forward to the weekend's ERC semis - Saracens v Leicester final I think
CourtNewsUK
?@CourtNewsUK
Danny Cipriani's drink-driving trial WILL continue after the judge ruled there was sufficient evidence that the breathalyser was working.
Marler likely to be back in the news again tomorrow.
Thug.
Stupid from Marler......hardly a full swing at his head with a boot though was it! Petulant yes (looked like a wendyballer move) actions of a thug....
Nope!
Not the point. Full swing or not, he kicked at another player's head/face. Given the bans for gouging given out for any face contact, he'll have to buy some REALLY good biscuits.
He's a fool. A thuggish fool.
What's Marler done now? Linky?
EDIT: Sorry, I say "now" as if he'd done something wrong before, and obvs, he didn't. My mistake...
Perhaps he didn't fancy the summer tour and wanted a rest ?
OFFFT! Job done then I should say! Was that his first game back as well from his ban that we don't speak about? He hasn't kicked him,but has made deliberate contact with the players head. When does Conor O' Shea stop defending him? Or will O'Shea shortly be explaining how Hugay had wet willied Marler and nobody seems interested in that? Honestly; Marler can't help himself,so you can understand that; but O'Shea is getting right on my tits. Can you imagine what he is going to be like when he manages a team that only has a victory over Scotland to look forward to every two years?
O'Shea addresses the press post match
[img] 
[/img]
Marler is just attention seeking now 😆 dumb oaf.
At least the (bad) intention was there this time even if the execution was remarkably poor given the prone and vulnerable position of the victim. If you are going to try and be a thug at least do it in a proper SH style. The NH is so behind in all aspects of the game 😉
****tish behaviour without excuse. Didn't hear what O'Shea said - was it a Wengerism? Should be little argument this time re a little rest.
Duckman, if the ref had seen it, would it have been a red card? ....genuine q, as in my eyes it is the action of an utter idiot, but isn't really that vicious or 'thuggish'. Doesn't it have to be a red card offence for Marler to get cited?
Tom; yes...Anything that goes near the head is a red, and that includes a punch. I think Marler just tries to give him a wee shove with the side of his foot to wind him up. He has a previous red card for violent conduct, so to get away with 4 weeks will involve home baking of a significant quality, never mind biscuits.
Just seen this on planet rugby. Marler is just stupid, surely EJ will have to consider options if this one results in a ban.
Or will he make Marler England captain?
Ah right....cheers for that.......yup better get preparing for another citing committee!!
So Sarries into the ERC final, didn't see the game unfortunately.
Looking forward to the weekend's ERC semis - Saracens v Leicester final I think
I had a feeling Racing might sneak it (but wouldn't have put money on it). I'm sure ROG enjoyed that. 🙂
I listened on the radio, Leicester never seemed to get going. I'm a bit surprised given what I saw in the QF and would fancy Saracens in the final (Lyon) but it will be a fascinating game and Carter v Farrell match up, from what I heard Carter played very much a kicking game today.
Followed on various Twitter feeds. Seems Healey is taking a lot of flack for something he said...along the lines of cheating using HIA rules to buy extra time or something? The outrage is strong - anybody hear the comment?
It was about Burns turning his ankle over in the tackle - Healey said the 'smart' thing to do would be to claim Burns banged his head so needed to come off for a HIA, therefore allowing Williams to come on as cover for ten minutes and give the physio time to work on Burns. Effectively condoning cheating is the claim.
Radio commentators where surprised Racing knock on was a scrum not a yellow and penalty - will be interesting to watch that
Oh right. Suppose it is kinda condoning cheating.* What a cock.**
*I suppose he did spend most of his career at Leicester. ( 😀 )
**not news.
duckman - Member
Tom; yes...Anything that goes near the head is a red, and that includes a punch. I think Marler just tries to give him a wee shove with the side of his foot to wind him up.
Except in the Saracens v Wasps game where McIntyre kicked Itoje deliberately in the head and got a yellow.
The only consistent thing about the reffing is the inconsistency.
But if it's the "deliberate knock on" in the second half. The player didn't touch the ball it was a crap pass behind the receiver. The racing player picked and should have scored. I thought, given that tigers had lost possession, a tigers scrum was harsh on racing.
Has Marler been cited yet?
DD (despite being a hooker who played just on the wrong side of the rules) I stopped being a Tigers fan after the infamous Neil Back hand in the scrum incident. Even though the victim (Stringer) was perfect, there is cheating and then there is cheating! I agree with your crit of Healey, the cynicism has a pungent and unpleasant smell
@onehundred, interesting. Was trying to find highlights last night butbthey only has the whole match so still haven't seen it.
Bristol gearing up for the play offs again. First round is against Bedford. A team which has won 12 out of 21 games this season, yet is still in contention for promotion 🙄
Hand in the scrum is fine from a flanker! Assaulting the ref was slightly worse!
Is St Gav broken?
Is St Gav broken?
I'm not sure anyone can tell through all that cotton wool!
Except in the Saracens v Wasps game where McIntyre kicked Itoje deliberately in the head and got a yellow.The only consistent thing about the reffing is the inconsistency.
I was suprised that Itoje didn't get a yellow as well for his part in that.
The racing player picked and should have scored. I thought, given that tigers had lost possession, a tigers scrum was harsh on racing.
100thIdiot:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/my-sincere-apologies-moment-nigel-11235229
'My sincere apologies': The moment Nigel Owens owns up to his mistake in huge European match
[i]With three minutes left on the clock at Nottingham’s City Ground, Racing’s Argentine wing Juan Imhoff picked up a loose ball and raced away towards the line.
But Welsh World Cup final ref Owens had already blown up in the belief that Imhoff had knocked the ball on, going for an interception.
Subsequent replays proved this wasn’t the case and that the ball had gone to ground through a wayward Leicester pass.[/i]
Just watched Saracens Wasps - great match, but Poite was biased towards Saracens at crucial times. Penalty just before half time for "kicking the ball out of the ruck" - Itoje [i]threw[/i] it out of the ruck! That gave Saracens the lead. Then the penalty try - Britts fell over and the maul tripped over him and his team get a penalty try. I'm neutral when it comes to those teams but Wasps fans mustve been doing their nuts!
The McIntyre yellow? Prob shouldve been red, but he came back on with 30secs to go, so wouldnt have made any difference.
duckman - Member
Except in the Saracens v Wasps game where McIntyre kicked Itoje deliberately in the head and got a yellow.
The only consistent thing about the reffing is the inconsistency.I was suprised that Itoje didn't get a yellow as well for his part in that.
Oh good, it wasn't just me that thought that! Red for kicker, yellow for cheat...
Then the penalty try - Britts fell over and the maul tripped over him and his team get a penalty try. I'm neutral when it comes to those teams but Wasps fans mustve been doing their nuts!
Yes, surprised that Wasps weren't bellowing to go to the tmo over that. But even the commentators were biased towards Sarries.
The McIntyre yellow? Prob shouldve been red, but he came back on with 30secs to go, so wouldnt have made any difference.
No difference in this match but it creates a precedent. It was only a gentle kick so the ref says a yellow is fine, therefore others players will feel aggrieved when they get a red for gently kicking a head.
Marler and Farrell both cited.
I bet boudjellal is threaders he didn't get Carter(!)
There is no probably about McIntyre, I was really suprised at the colour of the card,red for a kick in the head surely. I take it Farrell has been cited for the high tackle? That could be interesting as well as he has previous. Marler may as well just start browsing the Thomsons brochure, his season will be over.
Oh good, it wasn't just me that thought that! Red for kicker, yellow for cheat...
Agreed. If it's seen by the ref, and penalised, it has to be a red. Both that and the Marler kick were the same in my eyes. A deliberate kick at/to the head. No leniency, no degrees of kick. The intention was to kick at someone's head. That's simply not on.
Anyway, who was claiming that Super Rugby was boring because the defences are poor? I thought that Saracens v Wasps was pretty dreadful because neither attack had a clue, bar a few breaks by Wade. If the idea if good rugby is breakdown - pass one out - crash - breakdown - pass one out - crash - ad infinitum , then give me SR any day. It's not even that the defences were so good - they simply weren't tested.
And the Sunwolves won! 🙂