jaswai says...

re: Internationals. Well - you got 2 out of 5 right.

Can you get this out earlier this weak so I can get my bets in and make some coin.

Posted 10:17 11th June 2012

OzinLondon says...

APV1

What a load of rubbish. The Wallabies lost to Scotland because they didn't make use of the huge amount of possession they had and (as per usual) they were unable to play wet weather rugby effectively in what were probably the worst conditions for a test match played in Australia for 40 years.

They were also at lower than full strength because of injury and a ridiculous schedule.

Both teams were unable to hold on to the ball and all in all it was one of the poorest attacking games I've seen for a while. Conversely, both teams were excellent in defence and I don't think many people would have had much complaint with a draw.

As it was, Scotland made it into the Wallabies half at the very end of the game and snatched a win.

In what way did the Wallabies "not respect" Scotland or "underestimate their defence"? The Wallabies couldn't catch the ball or play to a game plan. That's incompetence not disrespect.

Keep your petty Aussie-bashing rubbish to yourself and talk about the rugby.

Posted 14:15 07th June 2012

GCP_JONES says...

Sat down to watch to 2nd top 14 semi final on Saturday afternoon. I was really looking forward to watching an open attacking game when you consider the quality on the pitch, after 20 mins I gladly switched channels to watch Scooby-Doo with my Young-fella.

The Top 14 has become really dismal in the last few years, there season is too long, the players don't seem to have the fitness levels to play the attritional style that seems to be in vogue. As a spectacle its easily the worst league in Europe.

Posted 10:58 05th June 2012

JayStarr says...

Also, from an objective perspective: if the Welsh bring their A-game to Australia, they WILL win the first test - and stand a very good chance of winning the 2nd one if they can keep it up. So they can very realistically win their series. They just need to come with the same attitude and belief they played with at the World Cup.

Posted 20:56 04th June 2012

andy021 says...

I saw the England - Barbarians game and despite being pleased with the win, I was a little disappointed with the opposition. The lack of cohesion is to be expected, but the quality of the handling and general aggression was not there. Either this is a poor crop of players by baa baa standards or they just didn't care. Either way they have been a let down this round of matches.

Posted 17:03 04th June 2012

Carpelone says...

TOP 14 is even more boring that the Aviva Premiership and the Celtic League altogether. Rugby champagne is corked.

Posted 15:13 04th June 2012

melkdave says...

Well i love the Barbarains games,,they allow us fans to to see up an comming youngsters ie Josphe-Wade-Robinson-Tuohy ect ,in a national set up for the 1st time(even in a scratch team) and outside of their normal confort zones.Playing against hardened international players and legends,They also allow us to say farewell to said legends who are usually playing against their national side,which must be novel for them to say the least

As to there being to much rugby,yes it can seem that way at times,But all the pressure for more is comming from the clubs mostly ,who want the extra income.The big problem is very few actual teams are making descent profits and income,and are thus relient on benafactors to keep them going,a bit like football ie Chelsea-Man city ect.Of course these benafactors dont wont to fund the teams forever so try and increase there income hence the pressure for more games

The internatonal season is almost upon us ,and its nice to see the SH teams moaning of lack of preparartion time .The NH teams have had this for years and now its a leval playing feild the SH teams managment dont like it Welcome to the real world.As to how the different series will pan out ,hard to argue with PRs assesment .After seeing the SA squad i was very disappointed just like alot of SA fans,and it didnt inspire me with confidance concerning a progression of SA rugby tatics.Looks like the same hoof it high and hope for turnovers and penalties while trying to dominate the set piece.Was hoping for more from HM instead we are going to get 10 man rugby .The Australia V Scotland game i feel is a great oppotunity for Scotland to regain alot of pride ,and i wouldnt be surprised at a Scotland win to be honest..Against Wales well Wales i feel will get a series win this time .As they now really believe they can do it.The NZ-Ireland series the ABs will whitewash them unfortunatly,

Posted 14:09 04th June 2012

barkerda says...

Australia vs Wales...will definitely be a tough contest, especially given that this looks like a damn good Welsh team with an ideal preparation. But there is a reason NH teams don't often win in the SH, and even the kiwis found out last season just how hard it can be to win at Suncorp.

Big losses especially Horwill, JOC, Beale and QC especially with less x-factor.

BUT don't be fooled by our supposably "miserable super 15 campaign." There is no self doubt where it counts. The reds and brumbies are building (especially given the stumbling of the Sharks / Highlanders), and even without the above mentioned stars expect Genia, Pocock and co to be enough of a handful for the Welsh.

It won't be pretty but hopefully we can get enough points to get over the line..will be interesting to see what combination Deans picks...I imagine a Genia, Barnes, McCabe(Dean's godson), AAC back line with Ioane, Tomane and maybe Morahan at 15.

Posted 12:34 04th June 2012