You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Not sure its on the telly box though
🙁
Coincidence that the chosen one returns as soon as coach sacked?
Toulouse v Wasps was a belter of a game!
Those Castres players are quite had tempered. Lots off stuff off the ball too.
I thought Navidi was looking good again today. Fingers crossed he can stay fit for Wales
Another good win for Glasgow. Can Edinburgh follow their example tomorrow? glasgow now look fairly likely to qualify.
So what is going to be the English excuse this year and what changes are they going to push for in future? Sarries the only english team with a positive points difference and the only probable 1/4 finalists - tho Newcastle could join them if they give Edinburgh a thumping today - which is certainly possible
There is no excuse TJ. We’re well off the pace in Europe.
Wasps have spunked all their money on superstars and now there are injuries there isn’t enough depth, Tigers well the less said about themthe better, Bath are perennial underachievers and Exeter need a more dynamic game plan other than driving mauls.
The excuse used to be that the pro 14 had it too easy with no relegation and guaranteed qualification. Last year it was "lions hangover" This year? I don't really mean from the fans - I mean from the PRL
Wasps have spunked all their money on superstars and now there are injuries there isn’t enough depth,
I really think this is the critical one - and applies to the welsh as well IMO but as finances are opaque at best so its hard to know. Moriarty cost half a million. Glasgow would have used that money for 2 or 3 players. Highest paid scot is rumoured to be Hogg on £300 000 pa
the "Leinster lesson" is that you need a squad of 35 or so players who can rotate seamlessly. Glasgow have done their best to copy this on a budget 2/3rds the size and its stood them in good stead. With the number of games being played you simply cannot have a first 23 any more. You need a 35+ squad with no huge droppoff in quality even if that means your "first team" is a bit weaker it means over the season your average team is stronger
Yeah but Hogg is off to England for a bit of extra cash isn't he....
Finn and Greig over in France, host of others already in the prem.
I'd say that the problem for the English clubs this year is that other than Sarries and Exeter, all other teams are bang average!
Yes thats right. We cannot afford 700 000+ for a player - thats 15% of our budgets. Or we could have kept finn - and lost 3 or 4 squad players.
Thats the lesson - want a deep squad don't spend all your money on one star - spread it wide. Glasgow are stronger for having the two Horne brothers, and two Fagerson brothers than one Finn
Glasgow have around 5 million total budget for players. You need 35 players of a decent standard. You cannot blow all your budget on a few stars.
Fine piece of skill from Huw Jones here
https://twitter.com/vern_cotter/status/1073945863116984321
Tom B has it - simply aren’t good enough. The English domestic game is so self centred its doomed. The interview with North - going home to play domestically in Wales allows him to play less games and recover properly - says it all really.
Whilst England has player depth, the clubs don’t, as we have too many teams. The top players get thrashed, as they spend so long away,when they return to club, they want their pound of flesh.
It’s no coincidence that the rise of IRE followed the concentration of talent in a small number of strong teams, well augmented with high quality imports.
I can’t quite answer why the welsh domestic teams aren’t having the success of GLA/MUN/LEI/ULS. Is there a lack of money in the Welsh game for proper squads?
As for the French teams, well that’s purely money.
Does anybody have the stats for the amount of games played by the different nations domestic teams?
Sarries are going well but they need to manage their player’s workload because Mako, Itoje, Farrell etc are playing an awful lot and run the risk of being shagged come the end of the season especially if they’re still in Europe.
The English teams don’t appear to be great at promoting from the academy. Bath stand out for this. Sarries ironically having been dubbed Saffacens do seem better than others. The likes of Leinster appear to have a bloody good academy system that produces good players. The English club game is so self centred, it genuinely thinks that it’s the best league in the world despite the European performances and that of the national team. It doesn’t give a shit about the players.
English clubs have a LOT more money than the pro 14 teams- even the richest of the pro 14
Money is not the only answer. In the last couple of seasons Glasgow have beaten several top french clubs.
I really think this is the critical one – and applies to the welsh as well IMO but as finances are opaque at best so its hard to know. Moriarty
Wales second choice 8 or 6 is hardly an 8nternational superstar like LeRoux. Moriarty went to the Dregs as he was physically broken and wanted to be managed so he could play for Wales. The welsh regions dont do well in Europe as they dont have enough good players not too many. You could argue tgey'd do better in Pro14 if they had more second rate SH journeymen but then our international team would be as shit as Scotland.
I can’t quite answer why the welsh domestic teams aren’t having the success of GLA/MUN/LEI/ULS. Is there a lack of money in the Welsh game for proper squads?
Yes, thats why we flog the 4 match autumn internationals. Ireland have more money and scotland have more as they only have two teams and pack them full of mercs.
AA - the welsh teams budgets are the same as the scots. Scots teams are hardly packed full of mercenaries either.
Paying half a million for a player like Moriarty is why you have no squad depth. No one in Scotland is paid that much so we have more to spread round the squads. That and developing youngsters and giving them game time. Would G Horne be playing if he was welsh? Nope 'cos so old hand would be in the position . Glasgow had no choice. Can't afford another 9
the scots teams only bring in overseas players in positions we cannot fill by scots.
One advantage scotland have tho is everything is run for the same end
Anyone watching Racing / Tigers? Classic Russell! In the first half he has: Knocked on a long kick, missed touch with a pen, made two tries, given away a soft penalty and made good goal kicks. ~At least he is consistent!
AA – the welsh teams budgets are the same as the scots. Scots teams are hardly packed full of mercenaries either.
Really, do you have proof or any evidence?
Paying half a million for a player like Moriarty is why you have no squad depth.
Do you have any evidence to suggest he cost 1/2 a million?
Would G Horne be playing if he was welsh? Nope ‘cos so old hand would be in the position
Yeah because the regions are packed full of these old players clogging up the system and Wales just cant get young players game time which is why the Welsh team is so old, like ****. Do get a grip TJ you are talking cobblers.
Stats tho
What is the welsh clubs spend - the cap IIRC that all bar the dragons reach is 4.5 million. Plus they get players part or all paid for by the WRU. so say 5 million + for the players budget. glasgow have 5.5 million to spend on players. Edinburgh 4.8 this year.
So no difference in spending.
I was told on another forum that Moriarty is the top paid Welsh club player on 500 000. I don't actually believe that. I think thats not including those who get part or all paid by the WRU. top paid scot is Hogg on £300 000
Yes the welsh teams are clogged up with older players due to the desire to have all the internationals playing in Wales. Look at the teenage debuts in the scots teams. Just of thd top of my head and over the last couple of years teenagers playing for the scots team. Both Fagerson brothers, George Horne. Blair Kinghorn
I just get sick of the constant excuses from Welsh fans that they are disadvantaged by lack of money when they have as much as The Scots teams. Stop making excuses for your poor buying, wage structure and lack of success.
Edinburgh 4.8 this year.
So Edinburgh do worse than Scarlets with about the same budget and not much better than the dregs with about 1.2 million more.
Yes the welsh teams are clogged up with older players due to the desire to have all the internationals playing in Wales
Such as? You example of Moriarty above is a bit shit as he's about 25.
When Scotland and Glasgow and Edinburgh start winning stuff come back and tell us how to do it.
How you doing in the pro 14 and euro cup AA?
anyway Enough bickering. Enjoy Edinbughs win in the euro cup 😉 Actually not much to enjoy really. Rather more of what I have seen described as thud and blunder!
How you doing in the pro 14 and euro cup AA?
Shite but hey ho. When did Scotland last win anything?
Yes the welsh teams are clogged up with older players due to the desire to have all the internationals playing in Wales
Like Biggar, Webb, Faletau, Charteris, Cuthbert, Beck, Owen Williams, Roberts, Adams, Priestland, Francis, Liam Williams, Young all clogging up the welsh...oh hang on
Calcutta cup count? 😉
There is something there to unpick tho Wales international team are better than Scotland but in the pro 14 its the other way round? Actually Edinburgh are shite in the pro 14 this year again. Lost more games already than they did last year. a fair chance both will be in the 1/4s of the european cap.
We will get you in the six nations. I have arranged to have some dodgy prawn sandwiches delivered 😉
There is something there to unpick tho Wales international team are better than Scotland but in the pro 14 its the other way round?
Not really, Glasgow and Scarlets on a similar level over last few season whilst Edinburgh are barely better than the Dregs. Your narrative about Wales not blooding young players as all the international players play in Wales is plain wrong.
So Tigers appoint Murphy as head coach full time despite a shit run of results. I know some of the issues they have at the moment are not of his making but they really need to stop looking at old players to become head coach. Something is very wrong with the set up there and it needs to evolve. Constantly using ex-players with little or no coaching experience isn’t going to bring the needed evolution.
Well its the 1872 cup game this weekend ( Edinburgh V Glasgow) first game I am going to go to this season. Its the time of year when all faux friendliness along the M8 is suspended. the only problem is this years its before xmas and I am going to the match with my parents who are Weegie fans! Now do I cheer on Edinburgh - the greatest team in Scotland - and risk no pressies? Of swallow my pride and some buckfast and cheer for Glasgow to keep in the folks good books? Heart V pecuniary advantage? Morals V money? What would STW do?
Really looking forward to the game - it always adds a bit of spice and a good performance can put you in the frame for the national side for the 6N.
Errrm, cheer for your team???
Which team has the best stats? 😉
At least not all the welsh teams can lose this weekend.. actually think Ospreys cpuld well beat Scarlets, which makes me sad 🙁
Premiership rugby has sold it’s soul, selling a stake to CVC for more than £200m...
No doubt none of the clubs will invest in growing their clubs or improving infrastructure. I can’t help but heel that they’ll spunk all the extra cash on big name SH players looking for a pension top up. It’ll no doubt end in tears when CVC want a return on the cash pumped in.
Bit gutted for the Dregs!
Agreed. They played so well considering being down to 14.
Not a great game, mind you.
Just back in from Sixways, and well, that was truly ****ing atrocious.
Worst of historic Wuss. Only redeeming feature was the scrum shat all over Saints. Apart from that, terrible day at the office for key players. Weir well off form, Heem and Adams were insipid - awful decision making by both. Defensive line speed was shite and the pack were off with the fairies half the time. Cant blame Mr Barnes despite the fact he was a bit wobbly in the first 15 minutes. Saints six looked like he took a bang to the chin and was concussed. Biggar needed his HIA too, but looks like he got back on OK.
Crap game to lose to as that drops us down into the mire again. It will take some bloody amazing results to get back up to safety. Bollocks. Im going to bed grumpy now.
Can’t win your own line out, going to struggle....
Quite. Line out went to pot away against Bath, then it was 100% perfect against Quins at home, now it's gone a bit ropey again. TBF they won a lot of their line outs in midfield but key ones in the oppo 22 all went wrong. Not to mention pinged for illegal mauling too FFS.
PS. 'ello Bear. Merry xmas etc.
Hello Mr Stoner! Happy festive times to you too! Hows the official Malvern trail?
I only saw the first 50 mins but their ball retention and decision making in the oppo 22 was terrible, the line out especially.
Why did Gus Mackay leave the club?
Hows the official Malvern trail?
No Idea. I wont be railroaded! 🙂
I was just back up at Sixways dropping off Stoner Jr#1 for rugby camp and had a chat with one of the admin guys I know. He walked out of the ground at half time he was so frustrated! He said you could tell from the off that not one person turned up to play that evening.
We'll be back at the foot of the table by the end of the weekend! Let's hope they get back to some of the form they have had asap.
No idea about Macaky, I've not seen any gossip about it.
Go Ospreys
Woohoo beat the neighbours
And go Chiefs.
At least not all the welsh teams can lose this weekend.. actually think Ospreys cpuld well beat Scarlets, which makes me sad 🙁
Not seen the game, dont think I'll bother. I cried enough watching Warhorse at the theatre just now!!
When I saw Parkes lining up at 10 I decided to pretend the match didn't exist. Even worse news is Patchell apparently limping off and Ball injuring his shoulder for the third(?) time in quick succession
Worcester served up absolute dog poo Friday night; what a woeful performance. That’ll teach me for being optimistic about beating a team. Jesus I’d have been cross if I’d paid to watch that.
Went there see Tigers play today as a neutral (chap at work had some spare tickets). They managed to loom almost incisive at times yet at others they were woefully slow and ponderous. Quins were pretty terrible though and their handling appalling. The scrums were a total mess and nothing kicked off even with Marler, Sinkler and Genge all on the pitch at the same time.
Sounds like Farrell cheesed the ref off today by constantly being in his ear and whining.
Looks like Owen Williams is likely to be in trouble for gouging Gary Graham in a bad tempered match between Newcastle and Gloucester.
Woodward throws his hat back in the ring as an international coach, then lambasts his successors for ignoring Cips for 10 years.
That should roll on through eh 6N, I wonder which team Woodward is eying up - theres 4 big spaces available after the RWC.
Woodward is just a gobshite for newspapers these days. Was busy slagging off Pivac the other day.
The mighty Edinburgh complete the double over Glasgow over the holidays - take that ya soapdodgers!
Most unlikely event given recent results and league position but once again the 1872 cup is ours
Precious. My precious
Speaking of gobshites, Dave Ward is one, what a wee scummer.
Beaten by the dregs, the shame of it.
Shhh. If we don't talk about it, maybe no one will believe it happened.
😔
Could be worse.
Could be Toulon.
Beaten 39-0 by Toulouse!
Points and laughs at CFH and pigface
🙂
Steve Diamond in the news...
Sam Peters is a bell end of the highest order
I don't know of him, but when you brag on LinkedIn - a professional digital CV in the main - about "breaking" controversial sport stories than I start to doubt his reasoning beyond a want to reveal a scandal in sport vs honest reporting of sporting content.
Surely journo's try to "break" stories?
Diamond is a weapons grade bell end lets be honest!
Ward incidents are here:
https://streamable.com/amp_player/t6j8m?__twitter_impression=true
just watching weekend highlights and saw the spit / stand incident. Is that in any way acceptable in rugby (the spit) - would be an immediate red in soccer, yet only a yellow here?
Dave Ward is a dick.
He’s been given a one week ban by Quins for stamping but apparently they’ve cleared him of spitting. Quins aren’t a particularly nice team; they certainly seem to revel in the physical, niggly stuff these days.
JP Doyle wad infuriating as a ref yesterday in the Bath Tigers game. He was really pedantic, kept checking stuff and still managed to be wrong!
JP Doyle wad infuriating as a ref yesterday in the Bath Tigers game. He was really pedantic, kept checking stuff and still managed to be wrong!
Sounds like the exact opposite of Nigel Owen in the Scarlets v Blues game. Wave everything on, even if it’s important point scoring sort of penalty offences. If it interferes with the flow of play I can’t see it. (Also, living within spitting distance of Parc y Scarlets, and being friendly with their staff, might give some sort of bias..)
Ooh Idlejon bit contravesial this early in the year 😂 he had a twitter spat with someone who said the same. He seems to be getting a bit precious these days.
he had a twitter spat with someone who said the same. He seems to be getting a bit precious these days.
Getting? He always has been.
Tigers are apparently considering appointing Mike Ford as defence coach to work alongside Murphy (or oust him as he tends to do....).
JP Doyle wad infuriating as a ref yesterday in the Bath Tigers game. He was really pedantic, kept checking stuff and still managed to be wrong!
I watched it last night, and yes, he was the opposite to Nige. I even learned a new law. Jumping over a tackle is illegal. I never knew! 😀
I even learned a new law. Jumping over a tackle is illegal. I never knew! 😀
Was that even a tackle considering the lack of attempt to use the arms by Genge?
#mindmap - I don’t know whether you were listening to the commentary (I rarely do) but they agreed with you and were most amused a few minutes later when a defender dived to tackle. So it’s ok to jump to tackle but not to avoid one. 😁
not comparable really. Diving to tackle still leaves the tackler around the soft gooey bits of the ball carrier, ball carrier jumping a tackle leaves the tackler around the sharp moving bits of the ball carriers feet. Has been illegal for yonks.
Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny will see a specialist about concussion which has ruled him out for two months.
Halfpenny has not played since 10 November when he suffered a late tackle from Australia centre Samu Kerevi.
Hope that **** O'Keefe is suitably chastened, this could well be the end of 1/2p's career and he didnt even have a second look...... best wishes to 1/2p and hope he makes the right decision for him
Ken Owens picked at 8 for Scarlets although at least Parkes is back at 12. Starting to get very worried about a post Gatwards Wales!!!
Fabulous performance from Sale to beat Sarries last night. They really got stuck into them and Sarries lost their heads with plenty of talking to’s for gibbing off at the ref. Farrell was particularly bad. He’s really not a very good captain. I’m starting to question Darries player welfare management with Billy playing the full 80 on his first game back.
Wasnt Farrel sent of for yet another high tackle?
Thats got to be sorted before the 6N/RWC.
Nope, pretty sure he wasn't. Gutted that I missed the match (on a snowboard holiday though, so not all bad)
Sky sports reports him off for 10 in the first half...?
Ah right, I missed that.....
Sky sports reports him off for 10 in the first half…?
Had already received a warning for off the ball shenanigans, and then went in too high (Again!) and copped the inevitable yellow. His demeanour with the referee after that was dreadful, grinning and laughing away as the ref delivered a stern warning to another Saracens player. Referee rightly called him up on his attitude, which also contributed to Saracens collectively losing their cool, I think. A very poor performance as a captain, never mind the high tackle!
Shocking TMO decision to deny Olowofela a try at the end of Tigers - Gloucester - no way he knocked that on. Didn’t affect the result, but such a great finish deserved the try - which it should have been.
Dan, caught that bit of the game and then immediately had to go and have a shower. In bleach.
I found myself agreeing with Austin Healey.
UNCLEAN! UNCLEAN! UNCLEAN!
https://twitter.com/btsportrugby/status/1081595227238998017
You can never unsay that 😆