posted Oct 8, 2007

If you are referring to my comment about FOS, have the guts to come out and say it.Alternatively, go back and get somebody to read it to you, in words of one syllable you will understand.I am not insulting your anthem(although you are still part of the UK and share the same queen as me)merely pointing out that the dirge your players sing is not passionate nor inspiring.And you get sent homewards more often than not.I am not gloating(England have nothing to gloat about), the boredom on the faces of your team speaks volumes and only serves to illustrate how uninspired and ultimately uninspiring they are.I say again, I am a rugby fan first and foremost, to have had 2 NH teams in the SF would have been so good for NH rugby as a whole.

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posted Oct 8, 2007

Won't argue about the utter mess England were in only 3 weeks ago let alone months and the 4 years of embarassment as World Champions. I really couldn't see them even making the quarter finals.

Being able to recover from a 0 - 36 thrashing well enough in 3 weeks to beat Australia took all the courage and belief they've been missing for those 4 years

I can only attribute this near-miracle to the faith that Ashton has shown in their ability and self-belief he must have instilled in them over the last 3 weeks to go out and take on the Aussies at their own game instead of playing damage-limitation.

So the point I made was not to call for Haddon's head but for him to have the courage to trust the undoubted ability his squad have and tell them to go out and take the game to their opponents instead of showing them too much respect. Perhaps then, his players will grow in stature and become confident enough to stop making the nervous, schoolboy errors which have blighted their results in recent years.

They don't need another 4 years of development, but perhaps just 3 weeks of someone telling them they're good enough to go out and beat teams by running at them with the ball in hand (oh, and not to worry if they don't score tries 'cos they've got 2 world class kickers in the side).

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posted Oct 9, 2007

I will continue to post on this issue if only to undermine the nationalistic rantings of some other contributers.I wish to make my position clear.I am a great fan of rugby;football leaves me cold and I will do anything to avoid it.The 6N suffers if any one side, regardless of who they are, does not perform.Each and every 6N side has at some point goes through a developmental stage.We have all been there, regardless of colours we support. I am very disappointed that more NH sides did not make the final stages.If only to show the gobby Aus, the arrogant NZ and the overly confident SA that the NH are not some poor relation.The UK gave rugby to the world, we are not some has beens, also rans ,as has been proved thus far.Our 6N is a tournament to be proud of and I am proud of all the nations involved, even if I am English,because it just shows that healthy competition is to be applauded.Regardless of any result, the game is a spectacle.Exciting, vibrant, lively but ultimately the best ilustration of what sport is meant to be.I have stood, sat in every stand in Twickenham, with opposition supporters.If we lose do i feel the need to fight with them.Is there any aniomosity?Of course not, it's down the pub, banter, ribbing and good natured rivalry.

So to the nationalists among you, forget your politics and narrow minded bigotry, just remember we are all rugby fans.
That says it all !!!!!!

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posted Oct 9, 2007

I meant 3, am obviously blind.lol

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posted Oct 9, 2007

Hard lines to South Africa and Argentina, looks like your match will not be a spectacle if I am right.

'Former Ireland scrum-half Alain Rolland will referee the final, with Jonathan Kaplan taking charge of England and France's semi-final and Steve Walsh officiating in Sunday's meeting between South Africa and Argentina.

O'Brien insisted that Barnes was still a big part of the IRB's future plans.'

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posted Oct 9, 2007

I enjoy rugby banter like the next person and I agree with your comments that rugby is THE great sport. However, if you are referring to me as a Nationalist you are very wrong. I have been to Murrayfield, Twickenham Paris etc and like you love the whole occasion, win or lose and share a drink with victor or vanquished alike. Maybe we have had a drink together for all I know!

I would note you repeat your comments about a dirge; God Save Our Queen ain't exactly a blockbuster tune is it! -

It is the words and sentiments that appeal to people, excatly as with Flower of Scotland, Ireland's Call, and Australia Fair.

Actually if I were you I'd be a tad careful, your comments such as "gobby Aus, the arrogant NZ and the overly confident SA that the NH are not some poor relation" might upset some people!

The line between banter and nationalism is a fine line indeed. We all need to be careful sometimes.

And next time I see you in the pub, Cheers!

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posted Oct 9, 2007

Mine's a gallon.Cheers to you to.
Now that's good hearted unshared opinions for you.Imagine that in football. It would be a car park job

Till the next meeting of minds !!!

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posted Oct 9, 2007

Interesting reading the previous articles.. I'm a huge rugby fan and extremely nationalistic when it comes to the sport. There's nothing better than beating our main rivals, the England rugby team and anyone else for that matter. HOWEVER, I was at that embarrassing debacle at Murrayfield v NZ a couple of weeks ago and the arrogant attitude of some of the NZ fans appalled me. There was not much of the usual camaraderie but basically the attendance of 20 000 NZ fans turning up with the "it's just a matter of how much we win by" and "yaaawwn do we have to play this lot, can't we just have the cup now?" attitude..

It was extremely refreshing to see them beaten by France! I did actually support England whilst watching the Aus match on tv as well. In rugby it's NH v SH and we can't imagine the shock and disbelief down under at the moment, quite funny! As I said, all was going wel and England were putting up a brave performance and I was right behind them.. and lo and behold.. 5 minutes to go.. it starts.. commentators and studio pundits overpraising England "heroes" "world champs".. over and over... one ceratin way to turn a Scotsman against you!!!!

Well back to Scot v Arg, I think FOS is the best anthem to use. Everyone knows the words, yes it's a bit dreary but initially it did raise passion within Scots. Maybe we're just too used to it now?

When the teams were lined up, the camera went down the line and most Arg players' eyes were filled with tears and they belted out the words. In complete contrast, the Scots players were half asleep, motionless and lethargic. They did not look motivated AT ALL. Pichot screamed passionately at his players as they took to the field however White mumbled "come on then"...

The difference between the two teams was passion! Clearly seen in the Arg try. The No8 beat out two players. He wanted the ball more.

Tru our team was naive. A golden opportunity lost to progress to the semis. Our team can't look back without regret. We should've been in the semis but the lack of passion and too many players off par, Lamont bros, White, front row... the list goes on... However, we can't really use the excuse of a "small nation" etc for failing. Look at Arg.. how much of the soccer dominated public there even knew they had a rugby team!!

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posted Oct 9, 2007

hear, hear hawick!!

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posted Oct 9, 2007

Just cry, cry baby..., obviously I don't know which teams will play the final, but... GO PUMAS, GO!!!!!!! Our hearts are with you!!!!!
A proud Argentinian!!!!!!!!

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