The Rugby Thread

[teok]

Both russia and japan look shattered after 30 mins. Not sure how the northern european teams will fair in this heat.

 

[SugarRay]

I think he's carrying a massive amount of guilt around for the way he deceived people and I'm pretty sure he hasn't brushed it aside even if others have. I do feel quite concerned for him though since his entire life seems to have been taken over by his 'gay rugby player' persona. He's beome very high profile and that's a lot of weight to bear. Would be nice if he could do some punditry lest we forget that he was a damn good rugby player.

I agree he has become focused on being a gay spokesman when perhaps it probably wasn’t for him. Regarding the guilt? Well, he should feel guilty really, it was the lowest of the low move but hey ho, that’s between him and his ex/family etc

You’re right he needs to get back to being Gareth Thomas, Welsh rugby legend as opposed to Gareth Thomas, brave gay man.

 

[talkshowhost86]

I agree he has become focused on being a gay spokesman when perhaps it probably wasn’t for him. Regarding the guilt? Well, he should feel guilty really, it was the lowest of the low move but hey ho, that’s between him and his ex/family etc

You’re right he needs to get back to being Gareth Thomas, Welsh rugby legend as opposed to Gareth Thomas, brave gay man.

To be fair it's not for anyone on the internet to decide what he needs to be. If he wants to be an LGBTQ ambassador then that's an amazing thing to do and if he's decided to focus more on that than the rugby punditry then that's completely his choice.

As for the guilt, yes he did something wrong, and I'm sure he carries guilt for that. But many others have done the same thing (regardless of sexuality) and I imagine with his particular situation he must have felt particularly trapped.

I think he's been hugely brave and deserves praise for that. And the Sun can fuck right off, and I now genuinely judge anyone who reads it.

 

[nipponyid]

Should be a walk in the dome for England tomorrow evening, tickets sorted, taking the wife so hopefully she's up with the rules after watching the Japan game last night..

 

[Danners9]

Australia vs Fiji on soon, followed by NZ-RSA - which hopefully are both crackers.

 

[teok]

I some how woke up with out an alarm. Quality game so far.

 

[tototoner]

All oer

 

[tototoner]

Australia vs Fiji on soon, followed by NZ-RSA - which hopefully are both crackers.

Argentina France will be decent also

 

[E17yid]

Same old story with Fiji. Lively start but unforced errors, discipline and being weak in the set piece (especially line out and defending the catch and drive) has been their downfall. Always fade out after 60min plus

If they could cut out the silly errors and keep it up for 80mins they could get to a semi/final

 

[Danners9]

Argentina France will be decent also

hm, i don't have that listed locally. Only Aus and NZ.

Will find it elsewhere...

 

[SugarRay]

Same old story with Fiji. Lively start but unforced errors, discipline and being weak in the set piece (especially line out and defending the catch and drive) has been their downfall. Always fade out after 60min plus

If they could cut out the silly errors and keep it up for 80mins they could get to a semi/final

They’ll never change. Which is actually great in a way.

Argies all over the place here

 

[E17yid]

France have offloaded more in the first 25mins than Wales has in the last decade. Great to watch.

 

[teok]

France look dangerous, could see them doing a number on england. They look like have actually worked on their fitness which was always their down fall.

 

[E17yid]

France look dangerous, could see them doing a number on england. They look like have actually worked on their fitness which was always their down fall.

I don’t think that’s their biggest problem. Like you they have to be consistent. England and France have some of the most talented, strong squads in the world but can have a tendency to bottle it in big games. The main difference is France tend to bring their A game to the WC.

 

[teok]

I don't think they "bottle it" they prioritise power over fitness and get done in the last 20 mins. All the french club teams do this also. That's why they have all these 24 stone props.

 

[E17yid]

I don't think they "bottle it" they prioritise power over fitness and get done in the last 20 mins. All the french club teams do this also. That's why they have all these 24 stone props.

They don’t lose games due to their fitness, though, imo. It’s due to consistency and decision making.

 

[JCRD]

Australia vs Fiji on soon, followed by NZ-RSA - which hopefully are both crackers.

The NZ - RSA is going to be a good one...

I was so good at rugby, prop, lazy prop though but still great. I scored one try in around 80 games... then broke my leg in six places... never again.

 

[E17yid]

Will be an interesting 2nd half. France were 16 points up against us at HT in Paris in the 6N. They won’t want a repeat of that shit.

 

[teok]

They don’t lose games due to their fitness, though, imo. It’s due to consistency and decision making.

Consistency and decision making falling apart in the last 20 mins of games is related to fitness though.

 

[Marty]

As a casual rugby watcher (only watch World Cups and the odd Six Nations game) it bemuses me that the starting XVs are declared a full day before kick off. I thought England were playing yesterday after I saw the team sheet.

Is there a particular reason for it, or is it just tradition?