Domestic and European Rugby

[sleaterkinney]

Really good Heineken final today, RoG getting revenge.
Not really sorry to see Leinster lose, they win so much - they need to find a replacement for Sexton, it isn't Byrne.

 

[flypanam]

Good game alright and a template for beating fast teams. Mass somehow beats velocity. Thought Barnes was okay today could have sent more players to the bin. Dunno but I can’t help feeling Larmour would have made a difference in the last ten.

Somehow it seems to me to be a pretty good indicator that the home team will get the decisions in 2023 WC.

As for Byrne he’s good but I think Frawley is better, but we may see Harry Byrne to the fore next year. But either Crowley or Flannery called into the Ireland camp.

 

[Elpenor]

Not seen the game but Rog and La Rochelle winning feels right, especially as they outscored 3 tries to 0. Leinster feel a bit bully boy with their squad depth tbh

 

[Elpenor]

Should be a cracking set of premiership semi finals

Midlands and London derbies.

Clash of styles in both games with pragmatic kicking based Saracens and Leicester taking on the expansive philosophy of Harlequins and Northampton

Also - just bought tickets to Wales v New Zealand in Cardiff on my birthday

 

[flypanam]

Leinster vs Bulls tonight and Stormers vs Ulster this weekend. LaR mouth is back for Leinster playing for that tour to NZed

 

[Elpenor]

Leinster lose in what seems to have been a close game.

I’ve just bought Now tv sports for a month so will have a watch of the super touch rugby playoff semi this morning

 

[bendeus]

RIP Phil Bennett, a gold plated fucking legend. Gutted he's gone.

 

[starfish]

RIP Phil Bennett, a gold plated fucking legend. Gutted he's gone.

Had the privilege of seeing him play. It was a charity game at Ayr RFC in 79 i think. I cant remember the full invited team but it also included Willie John, Fran Cotton, David Duckham & Ian McGeachin amongst others. Dont remember much of the game except for Geach being stretchered off in his last game with a very badly damaged leg. Afterwards so many kids & adults wanted Phil Bennets autograph they set him up at a table outside the clubhouse.
The queue seemed endless as did the procession of pints being brought out for the man himself. Must find the programme next time at parents.

RIP. Sad news indeed.

 

[bendeus]

Had the privilege of seeing him play. It was a charity game at Ayr RFC in 79 i think. I cant remember the full invited team but it also included Willie John, Fran Cotton, David Duckham & Ian McGeachin amongst others. Dont remember much of the game except for Geach being stretchered off in his last game with a very badly damaged leg. Afterwards so many kids & adults wanted Phil Bennets autograph they set him up at a table outside the clubhouse.
The queue seemed endless as did the procession of pints being brought out for the man himself. Must find the programme next time at parents.

RIP. Sad news indeed.

There really weren't many players in that era who could have stepped into Barry John's golden boots with panache but Benny did; he really was that good, as well as being a thoroughly nice bloke by all accounts, as you allude to in your post.

 

[stavros]

So, Leicester - Sarries tomorrow. Let's hope it's cooler in SW London.

 

[stavros]

By the way, it's live on ITV4.

 

[two sheds]

2:15 ITV4 I presume

 

[two sheds]

Just about to start

I do like Flats, most enjoyable of the commentators of any sport for me.

 

[gawkrodger]

good first half.

I'd prefer if both teams lose, but if pushed am pulling for Tigers

 

[Elpenor]

That’s 4 yellow cards for dangerous tackles in the last 2 half’s of rugby Saracens have played

 

[fucthest8]

How much do I love this picture?

 

[stavros]

That’s 4 yellow cards for dangerous tackles in the last 2 half’s of rugby Saracens have played

And neither were Owen Farrell.

After the first twenty minutes or so that was a good game. The second Leicester try was fantastic.

 

[two sheds]

Great finish. Enjoyable game. The first yellow did look like a red, the second yellow didn't.

I do like union, largely because it retains elements of village riots:



And the way refs deal with the game is so much better than football: clear instructions that everyone can hear, they explain fouls clearly, don't take any shit from the players.

 

[A380]

Meh, its only a game...

 

[stavros]

don't take any shit from the players.

This especially. I wish football refs would book any player questioning a decision. It might end up with just one goalie on the pitch at first, but worth it in the long run.

Does anyone know whether the England tour down under is going to be on Freeview?

 

[Elpenor]

Does anyone know whether the England tour down under is going to be on Freeview?

It’s on Sky

 

[starfish]

That was an enjoyable couple of hours yesterday watching the Baa Baas running riot. Capped off a decent weekend of rugby. As a Bath fan it pained me to cheer on Leicester but worth it.

 

[stavros]

It’s on Sky

Oh bollocks.

 

[Elpenor]

Apologies for the mail link but this is where Luther Burrell’s interview was

EXCLUSIVE: Luther Burrell lays bare rugby union's racism problem

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Our conversation started late last year. A phone call to Luther Burrell to ask about racism in rugby was met with an immediate answer: 'It's rife.'

www.dailymail.co.uk

The parallel with Yorkshire cricket is clear and obvious.

Rugby likes to harp on about its values making it a superior sport, but it’s very superficial, and frankly I’m a bit saddened that the players who made these remarks may still be playing for England or if retired - as I suspect at least one of them is - involved in cushy media work.

 

[Elpenor]

It’s on Sky

I believe the Irish, Wales and Scotland games are also on sky - Ireland are playing against NZ Māori this morning, game starts in 10 minutes

 

[flypanam]

What a series win in NZ. It feels like we're peaking early again.

 

[Elpenor]

What a series win in NZ. It feels like we're peaking early again.

That was my thought, it’s the traditional peak a year early and then star player has to retire (BOD). If Sexton can keep going then it’s possible. Thought Beirne and VdF were immense

 

[gawkrodger]

great game, great performance and Beirne was phenominal

 

[two sheds]

Are these viewable anywhere on demand? I presume Australia v England is on Sky tonight.

 

[Elpenor]

They’re on Sky / Nowtv and Australia v England starts shortly