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Welsh dual-code legend Gareth Thomas has revealed his love for Rugby League, describing it as by far the toughest of the two codes.
Thomas made 100 appearances for Wales as a Union player before switching codes to sign for Crusaders.
The convert was rewarded for an assured start to his League career with a call-up to the Dragons squad, where he played an integral role in the nation’s qualification for the Four Nations.
Having helped earn Wales a place at international Rugby League’s top table, Thomas took the decision to hang up his boots, though he remains directly connected to League through his role as an official ambassador for Rugby League World Cup 2013.
“Whether or not I switched at the right time, and if I should have done it later, will always be the million dollar question,” he told the RLWC2013 Ezine, when asked if he regretted not switching sooner.
“When I turned to League I didn’t realise how much of an amazing game it is, and how much fun it is to play.
“But when I look back on my career I don’t want to be thinking about what I might have done with hindsight. I’ve got some brilliant memories from representing my country in League and Union”
“I made some great friends and achieved some great things. We went to France and went to the Four Nations the year after.
“I can look back on my career and say that there are things I wish I’d done and things I wish I hadn’t done, but ultimately I speak today as a proud Welshman who achieved his sporting goals.”
Thomas was in good company following his decision to play Rugby League, training alongside fellow countryman Gil Dudson, Lloyd White and Elliot Kear, plus a host of other young Welsh stars, at Crusaders.
But the star of Big Brother and Dancing On Ice admits the first few weeks were tough.
“I got absolutely grilled at my first training session with Crusaders,” he said.
“I got the phonecall from Iestyn telling me to come down for about 2.00pm, and I thought ‘that’s OK, I’ve watched the sport before and I know I can do it’, so I went to the gym before, and rocked up ready for training.
“I have to say I have never been so tired in my entire life. I knew that it was a case of proving myself again and that was the determination I had.
“But in no way, shape or form did I realise it would be that tough. From that day forward I began to understand just how tough the game is.
“You have to be mentally tough, and capable of putting your body on the line for the guy standing next to you.”
Having played at the highest level in League and Union, Thomas is well-qualified to compare the two codes.
And the Bridgend-born icon says there’s no competition when it comes to intensity and toughness.
“Without a doubt Rugby League was the most physically demanding sport, and that’s statistically speaking, without the need for argument.
“I started off as a winger and also played centre, and in a top Rugby Union game, like a Heineken Cup or World Cup, I’d make ten carries a game if I was lucky and six or seven tackles.
“In your average Rugby League game you could pretty much triple every action, so statistically it has to be much more physically demanding.
“When I played a game of Rugby League I’d look at the clock and think ‘where have those minutes gone?’ because you just don’t have time to check anything,” he continued.
“So in terms of action I’d take Rugby League over Union any day of the week. If I have more action I have more input into the game.
“I love both games, but, more than anything, Union is ruled by the rules and League is ruled by the game. In League you play the game, in Union you play the rules.”
Roger Lewis is trying to wreck rugby again:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22814824
[i]Lewis claims hosts Australia will bank most of the income generated by the nine games they host.
"This is the subject of much debate at the moment, in terms of the monies generated by the Lions," said Lewis.
"The majority, by a country mile, of the revenue generated goes to the host country, so in this case it's Australia.
"For the home unions, the shareholders of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, the numbers are relatively modest.
"You are in the low figures of millions to be shared between the four of us.
"So it is not a significant revenue generator."
The Lions tour of Australia is reportedly expected to generate £40m for the Australian Rugby Union, while the Lions are expected to share a pot of £6m, generated largely by sponsorship.
[/i]
I'm surprised that the home pot - if true, which as it's Roger Lewis I have my own thoughts - is so low. Even if HSBC provided all of that £6m it seems like peanuts for the amount of exposure they get.
Happily I enjoy both but as I live in the south of england the opportunity to see league live at the highest level is pretty limited so I mainly watch union. Watching league live for the first time was a revelation as up to that it just looked like two sets of big blokes running into each other. TV gives a pretty narrow perspective. I actually wish there was only one code with the all the best players playing and the best parts of both games.
Is it true League used to have 15 a side(ie the correct amount)but cut that to 13 cos they are skint? 😈
Idlejon, those figures suggest that outside of the tests, ARU have been short changing fans and clubs. £40 million to put out your largely 2xv's against the lions must be nice.
Please don't feed the idiot. He'll just keep coming back.
If he wants to talk about league; he can start a *ing thread about it and * off from this one.
Wrecker; take a step back from the coffee pot. 😉 Is the u20's on the tellybox anywhere? That should be some game, bearing in mind who each side beat.
IdleJon - MemberWell I suppose that reading constant sniping between zokes, [b]toys19 [/b]and a_a is becoming a chore. Perhaps if we can get them banned then the rest of us, plus others who are bored silly by them and don't post because of them, might be able to talk about rugby?
QUE?? I have only posted on this thread twice, and that was this morning.
I try to avoid rugby threads now because of exactly this. Normally whatever I say is judged arrogant, so I felt what I had observed needed commenting on.
Meanwhile, in lieu of upsetting you, I promise not to post again ok?
Duckman, League has been playing with 13 players since 1895. How that's got to do with 'cos they are skint', your tense suggests that you think it's a recent revelation.
The RFL have posted profits for 13 years now, with record profits in 2011 and are on target to post yet another record this year.
It's on sky sports on sunday duckman. 1745 springs to mind?
No patience ATM, been dealing with fools at work all day and we have enough in this thread already 😀
This is fun! So easy to win every single argument, you know why don't you my yawnion loving chums!
Because i'm right, and you all know it deep down.
Keep up the 'troll' comments, that's what people on forums say about people they lose arguments with.
Meanwhile, in lieu of upsetting you, I promise not to post again ok?
I wouldn't worry, he's currently exhibiting exactly the sort of behaviour he seems to despise in us.
Paddypower have the Wallabies as favorites for saturday and the series (I think. I don't really understand betting odds).
All i've done is point out that the sport you're all pulling your puds over is boring, no one's disagreed yet, just reverted to name calling.
Nowhere in the AUP does it state that you can't disagree or voice an opinion to a thread, it's not my fault your all getting teary eyed because someone disagrees with you and voices an opinion that none of you can correct or try to counter.
I like fun, this is fun.
Paddypower have the Wallabies as favorites for saturday and the series (I think. I don't really understand betting odds).
I would have no idea how to bet currently. The first side smashed some very poor, under-strength opposition in the Western Farce, had a pretty close call against the Reds, and the seconds got played off the park (not that the scoreline reflected it) by the Brumbies' seconds. The one thing we've not actually seen much of is first team Wallabies, which makes it pretty hard to guess how good / bad they actually are at the moment.
Considering that some of teh rpovincial sides have been without their internationals, I think they've been training for quite a while.
Had a bit of help, too;
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/referee-steve-walsh-assisting-wallabies-at-training-as-they-look-to-combat-lions-obstruction-plays/story-e6frfkp9-1226664904892
You had to do it wrecker...you have gone and mentioned [b]his[/b] name....Freedom of Cardiff in the Welsh honours list I heard.
Freedom of Cardiff in the Welsh honours list I heard.
Is that really an honour though?
Mind you, if they didn't like him, they'd give him the freedom of Swansea, I suppose. 😉 *
*note: this is a wink, hopefully it helps avoid yesterday's debacle
Australia have not played a match in a while which may be in the Lions favour although they have obviously been in camp for a number of weeks.
Think it will be a close game with lots of pens and not many tries unfortunately.
You had to do it wrecker...you have gone and mentioned his name
It wasn't me guv! It was news.com/au
Berrick Barnes; Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Lealiifano, Digby Ioane; James O'Connor, Will Genia, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Ben Mowen; Kane Douglas, James Horwill (captain); Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
That is quite risky using a ref to help you "understand" plays as different refs do different things.EG Walsh plays piles of advantage. I wonder if it is smoke and mirrors to bring attention to the perceived obstructions from the Lions. Got yesterdays game taped, not sure I will watch it now as I am starting to get excited about the weekend. Whoever plays on the wing against that Aussie back 3 is going to be busy...Whether it is Croft OR Haskill (boom-tish)
The only tactic Walsh plays is one that ensures he's centre of attention.
Have any of you who like a bet seen anywhere that's offering odds on "Series top try scorer"?
I've only seen "Lions top test try scorer" - Headed by North , Cuthbert, and Halfpee.
Would like to see the odds including the Ozzies.
Love it, the Ozzies whinging about Lions obstructing! 🙄 😆
An interesting Australian side though. Has Barnes played much at 15?
zokes - Member
they'd give him the freedom of Swansea, I suppose. :wink:**note: this is a wink, hopefully it helps avoid yesterday's debacle
That smiley is me poking you in the eye after impugning my lovely home city. 😉 (There's nowhere better for sitting around the bay, eating Joe's icecream and enjoying the sunshine which is what I've just been doing. 8) But tomorrow it'll be normal miserable Wales... )
IJ; I am sure any of the Lions who have played for Ospreys share the above sentiment,as they look over towards the opera house.....(cough)
Barnes has played 15 as much as O'Connor has at 10. Battle of the Nines is the one I am looking forward to,Phillips loves a scrap and he won't have far to look... And BoD rolling it back one last time,one of the best of all time with a player as smart as Davies beside him, all that is missing is the force of nature that is North in that back line as well.
Ok IJ,that was an unfair comparison, Swansea doesn't have and opera house.
Swansea doesn't have and opera house.
Ah, but Sydney doesn't have Swansea uni.......
Ah, but Sydney doesn't have Swansea uni.......
It has Sydney Uni, which is quite a nice place to spend some time on a sunny day....
I'm excited too.
Anyone know of a link that'll allow me to watch it live in Barbados?
Kryton57 - Member
I'm excited too.Anyone know of a link that'll allow me to watch it live in Barbados?
Piss.....off....
British & Irish Lions starting XV: Leigh Halfpenny (Wales), Alex Cuthbert (Wales), Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland), Jonathan Davies (Wales), George North (Wales), Jonathan Sexton (Ireland), Mike Phillips (Wales); Alex Corbisiero (England), Tom Youngs (England), Adam Jones (Wales), Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Paul O'Connell (Ireland), Tom Croft (England), Sam Warburton (Wales, capt), Jamie Heaslip (Ireland).
Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Wales), Mako Vunipola (England), Dan Cole (England), Geoff Parling (England), Dan Lydiate (Wales), Ben Youngs (England), Owen Farrell (England), Sean Maitland (Scotland).
Piss.....off....
😆
British & Irish Lions starting XV: Leigh Halfpenny (Wales), Alex Cuthbert (Wales), Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland), Jonathan Davies (Wales), George North (Wales), Jonathan Sexton (Ireland), Mike Phillips (Wales); Alex Corbisiero (England), Tom Youngs (England), Adam Jones (Wales), Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Paul O'Connell (Ireland), Tom Croft (England), Sam Warburton (Wales, capt), Jamie Heaslip (Ireland).
Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Wales), Mako Vunipola (England), Dan Cole (England), Geoff Parling (England), Dan Lydiate (Wales), Ben Youngs (England), Owen Farrell (England), Sean Maitland (Scotland).
So, despite the vilification I received from a couple of the usual suspects for my tongue-in-cheek comment the other day, it seems Gatland shares my view...
Corbs is the only real surprise there for me. **** me we're scraping the barrel when Cuthbert is a test Lion!
Can't believe Lydiate made the bench good as he can be, he is the most out of form backrow on tour. O'brien must be wondering what he can do.
Digby will be delighted to line up against Cuthbert.
Better hope plan A works, i know the Lions have injuries but with the possible exception of Vunipola i don't see anyone on the bench that can come on and influence the game.
we're scraping the barrel when Cuthbert is a test Lion!
Better than Maitland, his only other current option.Either way, Iione would win that battle, he is a quality,quality player. I think Grey and SoB are unlucky not to be on the bench,I suspect that there has been some selections made on the back of the defeat, and the test team was not nailed on.
Just realised that Grey and SOB aren't on the bench! Both very unlucky imo. Agree re Cuthbert. Is Manu injured then? He'd have been a good player to bring on around the hour mark.
I think he was in the same boat as Roberts, close but not quite there. He is probably hedging his bets,if North breaks then he will have Manu standing beside the touchline a lot in training the next week. Actually, where is the backs cover for Sat? Farrell,Youngs and Maitland only play one position. If fit I would have expected another centre; BoD is a bit fragile these days.( Cocoa/blanket/comfy seat after 50 mins)
Farrell, at least for his club, plays plenty at centre and Maitland has similar experience at fullback/wing and on Tour.
Give Cuthbert a rest Tom, post England thrashing he was pencilled in for a test spot by most, and one slightly iffy game later...
Yeah Farrel is a better centre than fly half! I know Cuthbert was touted for a test birth after the England thrashing, but does running over Mike Brown really make him world class? He was very average for the rest of the six nations and dire in the Autumn. Although he may have been top try scorer in the 6n's actually? Maybe I am being harsh!
I can't believe Gatland has selected Lydiate on the bench! He is a defensively minded player (admittedly excellent). If the defense needs shoring up at some point in the game, then the chances are the Lions would be behind anyway, in which case you need attacking impact players. Maybe it would work to protect a lead later in the game, but that is a bit of a gamble. Most of all, SoB covers 6, 7 and 8 (no other backrowers on the bench)!
I guess Lydiate is on the bench as Gatland isnt totally sure about the two Lipizana's in the backrow.
Heathrow T5 had plenty of Lions fans making their way to oz yesterday, spoke to a Welsh chap who'd organised a trip with flights, accommodation and all three tests for £3k, nice work and very jealous.
duckman - Member
Kryton57 - Member
I'm excited too.
Anyone know of a link that'll allow me to watch it live in Barbados?
Piss...off...
Lol - I am however quite serious. Nothing shown via ESPN or bbc international or a couple of local sports bars. . Both me and the FIL would like to watch the game...
I'll post a link tonight.
Cheers AA
Anyone think Gatland is holding a few form players in reserve for the second test? I can't help thinking he thinks Aus will play better 2nd Test so is holding SoB and grey back a tad. To me this is a team to carry and score through North, Croft and 1/2p after demolishing the forwards, playing in the aus half . 2nd Test they will be wiser so he wants stronger ball protectors.
Why isnt Tuilagi being sent home? I can't help thinking he's going to be used as a "sudden" fixed player in 3rd test.
Pretty much as expected really. Lydiate does not deserve a spot in the 23 but he may not be needed anyway. SOB must be feeling very despondent; he deserves a spot and is far more versatile with no Toby on the bench. For all his faults, cuthbert offers a big threat going forward and is still stronger defensively than mainland. Right choice IMHO.
Kryton57 - MemberAnyone think Gatland is holding a few form players in reserve for the second test?
No because there's no point in losing the first test and trying to win the series later on. I think that he genuinely must think that is his strongest team.
And as I think someone above might have posted, historically the side that wins the first test almost inevitably wins the series.
Fwiw, with Croft able to play 2nd row, I would have put 2 backrowers (Faletau and SoB) on the bench and no Parling. Maybe even playing Parling instead of AWJ. Perhaps. 😕 Anyway, I'm not coach so what's the point?
EDIT: I forgot about Tipuric! Wouldn't it be nice to bring him on with 20 minutes left, but who to leave out?? I agree with Wrecker about Cuthbert - he scores tries, so justifies his inclusion, even if he does look like a headlamp-trapped-rabbit while doing so.
Cuthburt/Iione with be balanced by North/Fondant(sp) Aussies will be a lot better than sum of parts, feel sorry for O'Conner mind. I would like to have seen SoB on as he is a traditional back rower in that, quite correctly,he believes smashing the oppo 10 makes you amazingly attractive to the fairer sex.
SoB on as he is a traditional back rower in that, quite correctly,he believes smashing the oppo 10 makes you amazingly attractive to the fairer sex.
😀
Falou is a very talented palyer and North shouldn't underestimate him. I hope I'm wrong but I think the ozzies will win this tomorrow
BlindMelon - MemberFalou is a very talented palyer and North shouldn't underestimate him. I hope I'm wrong but I think the ozzies will win this tomorrow
On the form he's had in S15, Folau is an excellent player who would walk into most NH teams at any level. Imo he completely outclasses North. (And I like North!) Ditto Ioane v Cuthbert.
Kryton57.
[url= http://www.tsmplug.com/rugby/british-irish-lions-matches-2013-live-stream-online/ ]RELIABLE LIONS STREAM[/url]
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BM, Hope your wrong too.
Not as confident as we should be with the quality of players we've got.
After all this warm-up, we go into the first test with our (very) predictable 9 and 10 having only played 48 minutes together.
Our 10-12 combo having a combined total of zero minutes together there.
And our 12-13 combo in the centres having played together for another grand total of Zero minutes.
Good work G***
ts4or5, you're right about the back row cover too.
Looks like G***'s already decided we'll need a specialist 6 to come on. Wouldn't want Croft out there for the last 20 minutes when there could be a bit of space opening up?! 🙄
By overlooking Tips and SOB (and even Faletau or anyone else that could play 7) it looks like he's trying to make the point that his captain Warburton [b][u]WILL[/u][/b] play 80 minutes. It'd be a big gamble under normal circumstances. Against Oz, with Hooper and Gill, it's pretty massive for a seven made of glass.
So Ioum its Gatlands fault Sexton did a hamstring and Roberts and Tuilagi both broke. Meanwhile someone else thinks AW Jones should be dropped for Parling and another thinks Gatland isnt picking his best team so these players dont get broken. The standard of debate on this thread has sunk to all times lows today.
Agree on the point that if Warbs gets broken we are screwed mind. Faletau or SOB would be better bench options imo.
our (very) predictable 9 and 10
I don’t agree with that, Philips is an unusual 9 and Sexton is a clinical 10, that makes for a very difficult opponent.
he believes smashing the oppo 10 makes you amazingly attractive to the fairer sex.
It does. Truefact.
Uwe-r,
(Very) Predictable that they would be the Lions test starting 9 and 10;
- not that they play rugby in a predictable style.
Sorry about any confusion there.
Edit. Wrecker (and BM) +1.
truefact
Krton57
try here also
http://www.wiziwig.tv/index.php?part=sports
or more specifically
http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=208103&part=sports
Loum, I get it now. I think I have a bit more faith in gatland though, he gets it right more often than most and knows all these players as well as anyone could.
Whereas Spikey has been told its smashing the opposition forwards that the ladies love
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Cheers for the links chaps.
Ioum just for the record, who would you pick for the first test and who should have toured that didn't?
The standard of debate on this thread has sunk to all times lows today.
Because someone's having the temerity to have an opinion that's contrary to yours? Wind your neck in FFS.
Steady on mr internet hardman your frightening me.
Two injury scares this morning with croft and Davies.
So, where is everyone watching it? I'm getting old, it's a bit early to start drinking for me. Perhaps.
So, where is everyone watching it? I'm getting old, it's a bit early to start drinking for me. Perhaps.
Round at my Canadian boss's* house, after a barbie, with a case on the go. I reckon 7pm is late enough for it not to be classed as alcoholic 🙂
*Who used to play for the Canadian U21s, and still dabbles at 50 years old.
[i]Falou is a very talented palyer and North shouldn't underestimate him. I hope I'm wrong but I think the ozzies will win this tomorrow[/i]
Ditto James O'Connor.
And there are a fair few top Ozzie players left out (eg, from Brumbies).
Lions will do well to win this against a lot of young, hungry players.
Pretty excited that it is going to be a real battle.
Nice to see this thread has improved 😆 (pathetic).
Its going to be fascinating IMO. Aussie's have Falou on the wing who has only played full back, Barnes at full back who mostly is a 10 or 12 and O'Connor at 10 who has mostly played wing. On top of that Gatland has picked a non Gatland ball backrow and doesn't have huge lumps in midfield. Seems like Phillips will have a pod of tight forwards going round the corner and sexton can have Heaslip and Croft to attack wider channels. Puts huge emphasis on Warburton to secure ruck ball, he'll also need to be backed up by the tight five coming in to support as the second people to rucks. Defence for Lions is a worry, linespeed and organisation haven't been up to scratch so far. I cant call it tbh.
anagallis_arvensis - Member
Aussie's have Falou on the wing who has only played full back,
I may be wrong but I think I saw him on the wing at least once earlier in the season. And I seem to remember him being better there than at 15.
I'll be working until 3 and watching the game after I get home, but no alcohol because I'm planning a late-night (almost) Solstice ride.
Interesting article in the Sydney Morning Herald regarding no back up 7 on the Lions bench.
The first comment current below the article is a classic, is "Terry" an STW member?
"The team sheets are pretty terrifying reading for Wallabies fans - lions absolutely outclass them in every single area of the field. What's more - every single one of the reserves would be a guaranteed starter for the Qantas Wallabies. Lions by 20+"
I may call Sky...
I wish I could share Terry's confidence!
IJ, pretty sure I've seen him play there too.
Looks a great player, reminds me a pit of SBW running with the ball. And a bit like Kearney getting up for the high balls. Really exciting talent. Didn't SBW start out as a wing sub for the ABs? Pretty sure billy whizz did too. IMO it must be the easier position for league converts to learn quickly, to international standards. And it looks like he's got everything needed to be a success there. Barnes will be a good FB for them too. More of a tactical kicking game and will interchange a bit with O'connor if needed.
But reckon the main reason they've gone for Folau there is to do a job on North. He's our top runner, and the player they're most scared of. With his size, speed and League background - Folau's got as good a chance as they can find to stop North. And with no Roberts or Tuilagi, that might be a big step to stopping Warrenball.
Anyone know what the actual score with Manu is?
Earlier in the week he was down as likely to recover, it was only a "sore shoulder". Is it confirmed anywhere that he's actually too broken to play, or has JD been picked ahead of him?
Manu has a pinched nerve in his shoulder, if i recall correctly there is a good chance both he and Bowe will be fit for the 2nd test
cheers, thank you
North and Cuthbert will be launched down the ten twelve channel so the wingers wont be involved in defending that too much from set plays.
Anyone know anything about Pollack other than its a more sustainable version of cod? I seem to remember wales hammering the aus scrum last summer and him not giving many pens preferring free kicks. I may be biased though 😉