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However, there has always been a reluctance by refs to hand them out, probably because it is seen as such a monumental decision. I’m wondering if having the new 20 minutes and then a sub coming on means that refs will be more inclined to start handing them out for reckless tackles. If so that may finally encourage teams to change their tackle technique.
Maybe, have to wait and see. Although I expect it will just lead to deflation, it seems the refs can only manage 1 season with any new guidelines before they just seem to slip back to the old ways (more like 3 months for squint put ins at scrums). I am sure the refs are pressured by coaches and the irb or whoever but they need to be backed to stick at it long term.
Quins 21 Glasgow Warriors 24 GIRFUY
Thought that was the final score wrong - 10 min left
ahh bollocks
Watched stormers yesterday and it reminded of the boks in the WC. Are SA teams setting a scrum back from the mark? Opposition props seem to have to overreach.
Stormers tighthead side on the set the props heads are barely side by side whereas first scrum in the series match and scalps are grinding. All it takes is a little lever and the loose head drop to his belly and is pinged for being too long.
Some really decent Champions Cup ties this weekend, really looking forward to Leinster Vs La Rochelle, and Northampton V Bulls. Gloucester V Ospreys could also be worth a watch as likely both teams taking competition seriously.
That's a pity, great player.
Has he not had issues with breaks before?
Maybe, he was indestructible till he went to Bath
Saints tigers a pretty good game. But Pollard again getting away with shithousery. He likes a shoulder to the ribs after the ball is away. Got Finn Smith with a typical cheap shot.
South African innee?
Cheap shots and cynical play is their stock in trade.
Some interesting talking points in the Ulster Cardiff game.
It's illegal to kick the ball out of a player hand in the act of scoring apparently. Not sure this counts but also not sure the video ref or ref knew or looked at it.
https://twitter.com/URCOfficial/status/1781417118560375085
Meanwhile, at the end Cardiff scored a try to win it until the video ref went back and deemed this a knock on by Carre, giving Ulster a pen in front of the posts to win. No way is this clear and obvious, could be Carre knocked it into Ulster players shoulder or the Ulster players should hit it into Carre's hand. Even the Ulster coach said he couldn't see a knock on.
This champions cup final is some match-up.
Pity the commentary is shit on itv
Is the ITV coverage deliberately a confrontation between one-sided commentators and experts pretending to be blind? It's almost like someone watched bad American sports coverage and said, "Yes, that's what I want."
TNT coverage was decent I thought. Austin Healy can be a bit marmite but he knows rugby and when he doesn't have skin in the game i.e. Leinster or England playing is very good on co commentary
So it's Bulls v Glasgow in the URC final today . What's your thoughts ? Personally I am more than a little surprised that Glasgow got this far, I thought they would reach the quarters or semi finals but go out there. I am obviously wanting warriors to win but with it being at the Bulls ground and having already lost there, my head says it will be the same result. My heart says you did'nt expect to beat Munster either.
So it’s Bulls v Glasgow in the URC final today . What’s your thoughts ?
It will be a closer game than Wales v SA 😱
Good luck to Glasgow they deserve their shot, played some great rugby this season.
Bloody hell is it autumn in June now. I see there's a Van der Merwe playing for SA this afternoon but it's not that one. No bulls players either but still a tough match . Good luck
10 world cup winners v the Welsh work experience kids!!
It's live on S4c if you like blood sports kick in 10mins
1 point game at half time considering Wales have no scrum and have had 2 yellows that's a good result. SA bench is much stronger though.
Liam Williams is still class even if he can hardly run!
Great take by Liam Williams but yeah a 14 who is probably good for 10m if he gets a head start doesn't bode well for a wife fame.
Two forward passes and.....try is good
Two forward passes and…..try is good
It wouldn't have made a difference but when the tmo says I am happy with the pass and it's clearly forward out of the hands to a player in front you have to wonder what the point of a to is.
Watching Bulls vs Glasgow. Tight game so far with Glasgow just crossing line before 1/2 time.
Could be problems if the Bulls do open up their running game as they look lethal that way.
URC tv is shocking. Cut away at the end just as Glasgow were bartering at the line.
What a match Warriors 21 Bulls 16 First 30 minutes it looked like Bulls would run away with it.Glasgow got their first points in the final seconds of the first half. Second half Warriors dominated till the last ten minutes
Excellent result for Glasgow 😀
Away and shite ya soapdodger 🙂
Nah - well deserved and great win
I have to say I thought they'd blown it when some idiot gave away a pen at the breakdown with 40s to go. If a team is just playing one out smash it up as the bulls were, don't compete in you own half just make your tackles and see out the clock, they had gone nowhere and shown nothing apart from a maul in the second half, why give them a chance!
The Barbarians match with Fiji was a good watch. Lots of flair and sharp passing even though the squad was a real bunch of oddballs.
And my takeaway from the England match was that Ewels should have got 2 red cards for trying to cripple Leach. That was so very nearly a career ending tackle.
The forward pass I was talking about is the first part of this video
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2O5BWMSQgtE
Still reeling from the URC final to be honest. What a job the Warriors did, if only the boys on my side of M8 could play with that much grit. But it does seem like there is a cardinal unwritten rule in rugby that if one Scottish team is doing well, the other team must be mediocre at best. ]
Not seen any Scotland side, club or international, play with that much grit and intensity for years and years.
I'd never heard of the latest Welsh player to be called up to the squad in Australia....which isn't a huge surprise given that he's not actually played a professional union game yet! 😳
Regan Grace, snapped his Achilles after signing for Racing. Been signed by bath. Played union as a kid before moving to league. Could potentially be quite handy....
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RY7Nat9_x7s&pp=ygULUmVnYW4gZ3JhY2U%3D
Chieka new Leicester head coach, this could be amusing!!
England V AB v close game, anyone?
Looking interesting, both teams working like crazy NZ with the more accurate and dangerous looking attack but England leading….
Yep watching.
Gah, 1 bloody point. Can’t complain, a very even and edge of the seat match. The England shape looking so much better now. You know it’s good when no one has mentioned Ardie Saveah.
You know it’s good when no one has mentioned Ardie Saveah.
Scored a try didn't he?
Great effort from England NZ could have run them off their feet first half
Wales will be shredded I fear, our tight head has played about 5 pro matches with the last against the mighty Cornish Pirates.
Shame Grace hasn't made the bench, keen to see him play although a full international would not be an ideal start...
Luckily Australia are not very good!!
James Lowe is not going to enjoy watching that last 10mins again!
That Regan Grace showreel is something. He's like a cross between Shane Williams, the guy who went to 'merica and Rio Dyer. Looks really promising.
Haven't seen the game today though...
Looks really promising
He has however been out for almost2 years with a snapped Achilles. Played a couple of friendlies for Bath and they signed him up.
Saw that. Times are tough though I guess. If he can get somewhere near that form again and get his head round union he'll be impressive. Not a lot else on the horizon to be positive about...
He grew up playing Union in South Wales so hopefully he can transition back ok, have to see.
What Wales need is for Lakes darts to improve and Griffin to play a few more games at 3. Garland suggested yesterday was his first pro start, he did quite well considering. Scrum was mashed but 20 tackles from a tight head is epic. Thought Jenkins and Tschuniza in second row looked good. In the backs I thought Thomas was decent at 10, but maybe Grady needs to just be put on the wing, not sure he has it in him to be a 12, Watkins is a bang average club player but could be a solid 12 then we just need a 13 who is fit....it's like playing Tetris!!
For Gatland it probably feels a bit like trying to build a shed out of wood that you’ve got hanging around your back garden. You haven’t got enough of the right length so your screwing bits together, some bits are a bit rotten on the ends and some keep snapping!
Meanwhile his neighbour on one side already has a really solid well built garden office with a really solid roof and the guy on the other side has an open chequebook and a hotline to the builders merchants…
Brilliant from Ireland!!!
Frawley's 2 drop goals were superb.
LeDrop x 2
DesperateBicycle Full Member
Brilliant finish from Ireland.
The All Blacks v England game was excellent too, England lost but weren't shit. Which was nice 🙂
Saw that Rhys Webb has been banned for 4 years for doping. I'm always amazed that there aren't more that get caught, especially the SA's.... someone of those guys look juiced to the gills!