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80% => Sports => Topic started by: Ardiles on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 09:11:01



Title: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Ardiles on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 09:11:01
This must be the 5th or 6th year I've started one of these.  All kicks off today:

France vs Italy               2.30pm
Scotland vs England        5.00pm
Ireland vs Wales             3.00pm tomorrow

I'm not convinced there's going to be any football on, so may have to fall back on this!  All change for England...out with the World Cup underperformers and in with a load of players I've never heard of.  Could be interesting, or horrific.  We'll see.

I should add that I have tickets this year to Wales vs Scotland (next Sunday).  Valentine's weekend away with rugby tickets for the wife.  Even as a neutral, I'm really looking forward to that one already.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Samdy Gray on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 09:23:51
I'm edging towards horrific.

Not feeling at all confident.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: janaage on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 09:25:40
I wanted to go to the Wales Scotland match but non of my welsh advisers have come through with tickets. I have got the full works (4 course meal, champagne reception, meet a former rugby international etc.) for the England Wales match on 25 Feb so looking forward to that, and I don't mind being Welsh for the day.

Today I see wins for all the home sides, although the injury hit Welsh might just have enough to beat the Irish.

Other two are dead certs, home bankers.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Processed Beats on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 10:17:26
Rugby is shit.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Costanza on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 10:23:23
Processed Beats has spoken.

Lock this thread right now.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: janaage on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 10:33:05
"'x' is shit" posts are the forum equivalent of 'freebird!'. And for that my friend I'll leave Bill H to respond to you and your pointless post, as with every passing year I find myself sharing his outlook on the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYB2E9vU2HA


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Not that Nice If I'm Honest on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 12:30:56
This must be the 5th or 6th year I've started one of these.  All kicks off today:

France vs Italy               2.30pm
Scotland vs England        5.00pm
Ireland vs Wales             3.00pm tomorrow

I'm not convinced there's going to be any football on, so may have to fall back on this!  All change for England...out with the World Cup underperformers and in with a load of players I've never heard of.  Could be interesting, or horrific.  We'll see.

I should add that I have tickets this year to Wales vs Scotland (next Sunday).  Valentine's weekend away with rugby tickets for the wife.  Even as a neutral, I'm really looking forward to that one already.


It's just a shame there can't be two losers


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Not that Nice If I'm Honest on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 12:34:04
I wanted to go to the Wales Scotland match but non of my welsh advisers have come through with tickets. I have got the full works (4 course meal, champagne reception, meet a former rugby international etc.) for the England Wales match on 25 Feb so looking forward to that, and I don't mind being Welsh for the day.

Today I see wins for all the home sides, although the injury hit Welsh might just have enough to beat the Irish.

Other two are dead certs, home bankers.

Or you could support the country that employs you.

Roll on Independance, shame the English don't get a vote.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Only Me on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 13:08:09

It's just a shame there can't be two losers

There are quite a few losers on that list


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: DA15red on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 13:26:12
Going to England v Ireland. Its on Paddys day. Should be messy. Can't see England beatinng anyone other than Italy and Scotland (maybe) this year. They'll probably win the grand slam then!


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Ardiles on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 15:24:00
Going to England v Ireland. Its on Paddys day. Should be messy. Can't see England beatinng anyone other than Italy and Scotland (maybe) this year. They'll probably win the grand slam then!

I know what you mean...but if anything I'm more up for the Six Nations this year because England have got a young side with everything to prove.  Getting rid of the old guard was the right thing to do.  The likes of Moody, Wilkinson and Tindall after such a lacklustre World Cup feels like a positive move to me.  We'll not win much initially, but there's an opportunity now to build for the future.  I just wish someone would have the balls to cut away some of the overpaid, over-rated deadwood in the England football set up as well.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: janaage on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 17:19:45
Or you could support the country that employs you.

Roll on Independance, shame the English don't get a vote.

Switzerland aren't in the 6 nations.

And I'll support who I like ta, not like it's any of your business.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: janaage on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 17:21:05
Back to the rugby, awful start, not a great advert for Northern Hemisphere rugby at the minute. England certainly look the better of the two sides so far.

Chris Cusiter shouldn't be anywhere near international rugby.  He's awful.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Ardiles on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 17:25:45
Hardly free flowing is it...but what did we expect?


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: janaage on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 17:41:26
Well least since 20 min mark the Scots have started playing, the first 20 minutes England were the only team interested.

I still think if Scotland can get over the try line we'll win, if not England will end up winning.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Ardiles on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 17:50:23
It's anyone's, isn't it.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: janaage on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 18:01:45
And there we go. Scotland can't continue to try and win matches by the boot alone. Tries are needed.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Samdy Gray on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 18:01:45
Try!


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: janaage on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 18:06:16
If it carries on like this I can just hear it now

'England's man of the match, goes jointly to...

Chris Cusiter'.

He delays the pass every time he gets the ball, that's when he's not kicking possession back to England.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Ardiles on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 18:34:57
It used to be England who were accused of this...especially by the more 'flair' sides like France.  I know what you mean.  Scotland needs a try scorer.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: janaage on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 18:43:30
We've needed one of those for years. Not good enough, Robinson needs to do one, had plenty of time done nada.

Fair play to the 'new' England team though, like commentators have said they've played a lot in their own half since 20 minute mark and gave nothing away.



Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Samdy Gray on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 18:47:23
It's not been spectacular from England, but it's been disciplined. A positive start.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Ardiles on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 18:58:27
I'll take that.  We're not going to win any tournaments any time soon, but that was a gutsy performance from a team that hasn't played together as a unit before.  Scotland's luck wasn't there, and they could have taken it on another day.  But they didn't!  Will be interesting (for me!) to see how they respond in Cardiff next week.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Posh Red on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 19:02:31
It's all about the result, but as a game it was a bit shit


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Costanza on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 19:16:10
as a game it was a bit shit

Processed Beats warned you all this morning.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Not that Nice If I'm Honest on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 19:22:46
We've needed one of those for years. Not good enough, Robinson needs to do one, had plenty of time done nada.

Fair play to the 'new' England team though, like commentators have said they've played a lot in their own half since 20 minute mark and gave nothing away.



We were sent home to think again................again


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: janaage on Sunday, February 5, 2012, 08:34:22
It's not been spectacular from England, but it's been disciplined. A positive start.

Yeah I think England lack a lot, but the discipline was impressive, no silly give aways.


Be interesting to see how the Irish and Welsh get on today.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Bob's Orange on Sunday, February 5, 2012, 11:37:41
Off to the aviva today for the game. Should be a cracker!


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: fittons_coaching_badge on Sunday, February 5, 2012, 11:43:57
I've backed Wales at 2/1.  But then again I have just had a cheeky flutter on England in the cricket in play at 4/1. 


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, February 6, 2012, 13:38:29
Yesterday's match was decent in Dublin.

I was very impressed with the Aviva Stadium, outside it looks nice and the space you have at your seat and the aisle size was more than ample. Loads of bars and toilets so hardly any queueing.

However that said, the atmosphere at the game was strange. There wasn't as much singing as I thought there would be and after Wales nicked it at the end, I didn't feel that people around me were as disappointed as they should have been.

Maybe I am totally wrong, but it felt to me like there is much less passion in supporting rugby teams than at football. People go for the 'craic' and beer and banter etc and at the end of the day, if you lose, you shrug your shoulders and go to the pub.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Arriba on Monday, February 6, 2012, 13:57:34
The Ireland v Wales game is the first rugby match i have ever sat and watched from start to finish. I liked it


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: janaage on Monday, February 6, 2012, 19:43:50
Yesterday's match was decent in Dublin.

I was very impressed with the Aviva Stadium, outside it looks nice and the space you have at your seat and the aisle size was more than ample. Loads of bars and toilets so hardly any queueing.

However that said, the atmosphere at the game was strange. There wasn't as much singing as I thought there would be and after Wales nicked it at the end, I didn't feel that people around me were as disappointed as they should have been.

Maybe I am totally wrong, but it felt to me like there is much less passion in supporting rugby teams than at football. People go for the 'craic' and beer and banter etc and at the end of the day, if you lose, you shrug your shoulders and go to the pub.

Isn't that how it should be? Once it's over it's over. No good going all Geordie and sitting there bare chested crying your skin head eyes out like a little girl.

Much prefer the rugby style of getting on with it post match.  I've had three brilliant 6 nations weekends whether we've won, (v Wales in Cardiff) lost (v Italy at MF) or drawn (v England at MF).


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Matchworn Shirts on Monday, February 6, 2012, 19:46:47
When I worked in England, we had works outings to watch Bath. 6 of us getting into the ground with 3 junior tickets...and we just standing at the bar drinking. God knows who they played those times


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR on Monday, February 6, 2012, 20:06:27
Isn't that how it should be? Once it's over it's over. No good going all Geordie and sitting there bare chested crying your skin head eyes out like a little girl.

Much prefer the rugby style of getting on with it post match.  I've had three brilliant 6 nations weekends whether we've won, (v Wales in Cardiff) lost (v Italy at MF) or drawn (v England at MF).
Well, somewhere between the shrugging the shoulders and the bare chested crying like a little girl would be nice I would say :hmmm:


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, February 6, 2012, 20:10:36
Well, somewhere between the shrugging the shoulders and the bare chested crying like a little girl would be nice I would say :hmmm:

I think this is right. I didn't expect there to be tears or anything, but a little more 'feeling' in getting beat


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: janaage on Monday, February 6, 2012, 20:20:10
I think rugby supporters seem to feel the 'they (ie the opposition) deserved to win' emotion more than football supporters. I mean look at the Wales France RWC match, if that'd been football (like when Henry cheated the irish) the media would have gone ballistic, stirring up supporter emotion, but the Welsh took it well, on the chin and moved on, as even with 14 men they should have won, but didn't. Think defeat is just accepted more in rugby.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Posh Red on Monday, February 6, 2012, 20:23:19
Because the result actually doesn't matter, unless they are playing England.



Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Not that Nice If I'm Honest on Monday, February 6, 2012, 22:30:06
I think rugby supporters seem to feel the 'they (ie the opposition) deserved to win' emotion more than football supporters. I mean look at the Wales France RWC match, if that'd been football (like when Henry cheated the irish) the media would have gone ballistic, stirring up supporter emotion, but the Welsh took it well, on the chin and moved on, as even with 14 men they should have won, but didn't. Think defeat is just accepted more in rugby.

I find myself agreeing with you Janaage - which is strange !

As someone who loves both games (I spent years splitting my time between Swindon Town and Gloucester RFC) I have enjoyed both types of atmosphere.
When I was younger, I loved the intensity of the football atmosphere, loved the wholebuzz around going to away matches and never knowing if you would end up in a fight or not, if I'm honest, I used to love a bit of a kick off. In fact a few of us would go to Gloucester and behave impecably (if a bit drunken), then go to Swindon and behave like idiots. I firmly believe that people tend to live up to an expectation..............Rugby = get along with the opposition, Football = antagonise the opposition.

Anyway, as I've got (much) older, I prefer the Rugby atmosphere, mixing with the opposition, drinking with them, taking the piss etc.

Having said that, I still don't think I could mix with Oxford fans without the old red mist rising back to the surface


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Ardiles on Thursday, March 29, 2012, 08:22:00
What better way to bump this thread back than to congratulate Stuart Lancaster for landing the England job.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17547312

He did a fantastic job in the Six Nations...stopped the rot after Johnson left.  Fully deserved in my book.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Samdy Gray on Thursday, March 29, 2012, 08:35:25
I hadn't heard this 'til now. This is fantastic news!

The progress he made with the team in such a short time is astounding. Like you say Ardiles, absolutely deserved to get the job.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: ronnie21 on Thursday, March 29, 2012, 08:39:11
Players seemed to be 100% behind him, which is half the battle.  He did a good job, although I do think this year's Six Nations was one of the weakest I have seen for some years.  Onwards and upwards.


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: fittons_coaching_badge on Thursday, March 29, 2012, 08:57:02
At last.  Surprised it took the RFU so long appoint him.  A much better choice than Nick Mallett in my opinion.

Will be interesting to see what happens Re Andy Farrell.  I expect an approach to Saracens asking him to join up as part of the England staff. 

I am assuming it is not really possible for him to do both jobs?


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Not that Nice If I'm Honest on Thursday, March 29, 2012, 13:16:58
 :clap:


Brilliant  !!



Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: janaage on Thursday, March 29, 2012, 20:18:46
I find myself agreeing with you Janaage - which is strange !

As someone who loves both games (I spent years splitting my time between Swindon Town and Gloucester RFC) I have enjoyed both types of atmosphere.
When I was younger, I loved the intensity of the football atmosphere, loved the wholebuzz around going to away matches and never knowing if you would end up in a fight or not, if I'm honest, I used to love a bit of a kick off. In fact a few of us would go to Gloucester and behave impecably (if a bit drunken), then go to Swindon and behave like idiots. I firmly believe that people tend to live up to an expectation..............Rugby = get along with the opposition, Football = antagonise the opposition.

Anyway, as I've got (much) older, I prefer the Rugby atmosphere, mixing with the opposition, drinking with them, taking the piss etc.

Having said that, I still don't think I could mix with Oxford fans without the old red mist rising back to the surface

Interesting read that, and a take on things I can completely empathise with.

Regarding Lancaster, have to say fair play to the rfu for appointing him, but I do wonder if this year's very poor six nations period was just a honeymoon period for the bloke. What has he got when things don't go so well? That's the question.

Are you lot sure you don't want Robinson involved at all? Please?


Title: Re: Six Nations 2012
Post by: Samdy Gray on Thursday, March 29, 2012, 20:23:56
Nah, you can keep him.