jontheref says...

@fozza

"I don't know how reasonable it would be but could Ireland or Wales not played a game against a team over there midweek? Someone who took GCSE Geography could tell me if that was likely! "

Take a look at a map, it is not credible.

The jet lag between places across the pacific would attribute to player burn out.

Someone in the SH can help, is it about 4 hour flight to any of the Islands?

Also when planning trips, I saw they are not many flights, maybe 1 a week, so to do a midweek game, would account for about 10 days taken out of the tour.

Posted 10:08 03rd July 2012

smarty says...

Into the hot list should be anyone involved in helping minor nations build their rubgy union strength.

I watched the semi final of spain vs portugal in the football (soccer) european cup last night. It is soooooo boring compared to rugby union.

Alll we need is more nations competitive at the top level! Keep up the good work you!

Posted 11:20 28th June 2012

fozza says...

A number of good points raised throughout this post:

Sonny Bill Williams really is fantastic to watch. He has the strength to bounce a defender, the speed and agility to break or step past a defender and the ability to get so much out of other players with his offloading ability. I also love the fact that he gets as much out of his lifestyle as possible. Stay at home and play Fight Night on the PS3? Nah, I think I'll become New Zealand Heavyweight champion... I'm off to sample french culture... If he heads off to Japan all power to him, why not utilise his abilities to enjoy as varied a life as possible.

As for the Scottish, well done on the tour A) for going unbeaten and B) for touring the islands other teams can't reach! I don't know how reasonable it would be but could Ireland or Wales not played a game against a team over there midweek? Someone who took GCSE Geography could tell me if that was likely!

As for Morne Steyn, everyone's allowed off games, if he suits the game plan Meyer has then he's the best player for the job.

American Rugby is on the up and the decision to include sevens in the olympics helps as the Americans love their olympics and it opens sevens at least to funding. Some of the guys who don't make the NFL would be scary prospects in Rugby... can't wait!

Posted 09:36 28th June 2012

sandal says...

@froggy73

Why would the All Blacks go to Samoa?

A match in New Zealand would be a home game for both teams.

Posted 07:19 28th June 2012

philipjfry says...

'USA Eagles: Two red cards didn't help the Eagles' cause against Italy. No one can win with 13 men.'

Now, that's not entirely true now is it? St. Helens win all the time.

Posted 01:49 28th June 2012

new_j4a says...

@Maubec who says.."And Argentina-France was broadcasted on a newly paying channel only 48h before kick-off. " That's no good. Well done French technology. Could you get a bet down or did the bookies figure that you'd already seen the game before it started?

Posted 00:28 28th June 2012

Trinats2 says...

Some positives for Ireland, their U20s beat the Baby Boks (and with home advantage) who went on to win the comp !

Luckily for SA, Ireland didn't make it to the final !!!!

schmidtyforpres:

Spot on, I'd even say the whole team.

Posted 22:26 27th June 2012

porridge_time says...

The main reason Ireland have never really made to the top table is because they are inconsistent and occasionally get one big game - full of passion - in four. They were out classed in the first test, had their passion filled once in a while matches, leaving everything on the field in Christchurch. Hamilton for the third test was always going to happen to be honest, the gulf between the players is huge.

Posted 21:44 27th June 2012

Dangerous says...

SBW is very talented and similar to Lomu in lots of ways. They both turn/turned the ball over a lot at the breakdown. They like to make one massive hit at the expense of a successful tackle. They also cause defense a few headaches. But I still prefer to see Lomu bumping off one after the other then a SBW no look offload. IMO

Posted 20:08 27th June 2012

suilven says...

@jontheref: I think it's Sky & ESPN who broadcast games & who didn't in Scotland- Samoa's case because, errr, not enough in it for them.

@markpat: Next time,if there is, have a look on Twitter- there was a flurry of links to the wonderful Samoan Tourist website where they'd got a live stream going, which was watchable, even with over 2000 people on there! (& then download it later to watch with less sleepy eyes!)

Also, @seapointer, if it's 3am here it's not actually 3 am all over the world!!!

As for Sonny Bill, c'mon, he IS great, along with all the other ABs that totally squashed Ireland. ("his defence is questionable" - still laughing at that! )

Posted 19:00 27th June 2012