Ireland

tha_mai says...

@ forward_passneutrals in civilised countries around the world generally want NZ to lose. In any sport. In any thing.

Really? Have you ever left home?

I have lived/worked/competed in five countries in recent years, traveled to many more. Have yet to encounter any such feeling, anywhere. Till 2008 I was semi-pro in my sport (not rugby) and have met so many people from diverse sporting codes; true sportspeople hate no-one, whatever the sport. Rivalry yes, hatred never. Only saddos on forums can do that!

Posted 00:58 07th June 2012

pierredelot1 says...

There is no doubt that if BOD had been raised in NZ he would have worn the Shirt, but he was born in the Emerald Isle so end of. Fair to say he is the best of a generation but as to best ever don't even go there, you can't compare generations. But as to comparisons have a quick look at Dany Gerber one day, no longer around but a great great player, on a par with BOD no doubt and Conrad S is a wonderfully class act, not flash just gets on with business, understated and underated. But best ever, forget it, can't be done. Anyway the Blacks will target O'Gara and D'Arcy, one they walked over for years, the other sadly past his best, why attack BOD there are easier routes.

Posted 21:10 06th June 2012

davodiablo says...

Trinats goes fishing and you all bite ....It only encourages the naughty little Aussie !

Posted 18:41 06th June 2012

blametheref says...

@Melkdave

Agree with you about the Nonu/SBW threat to D'Arcy. If they do succeed in running him over Ireland have no plan B for these 3 tests, which for me would be to at least have another natural 12 on tour and on the bench, in the bigger and hard tackling Downey who could defend the 12 channel better and change the attack by taking the ball more into contact to set up 2nd and 3rd phase. Ireland have a 13 in Cave who could play 12 but I really feel Ireland are exposed big time by only bringing one specialist 12 especially when that 12, D'Arcy, will be facing the 2 best 12's in the game ...Ireland could be in big big trouble if D'Arcy gets injured, very stupid squad selection in my opinion

Posted 16:09 06th June 2012

hayj05 says...

@GCB Jones - Why do you get to mention 11 If I can't mention 07? Pfffft That's just unfair. I'm not telling you or Black47 to stop talking about 11, I'm imputing balance.

For as long as the AB's are the dominant team of international Rugby they'll be the most scrutinised & hated Rugby team on the planet

And in contrast they'll also be the most widely supported team (mostly in nations where Rugby isn't popular) because of their success & style of play.

It's the same in every sport & It's fuelled by jealousy from fans of competing teams/nations.

You think I'm being arrogant? Well I'm not, because I'm speaking from own experience of hating on opposing dominant sides in other sports. We are all human & we all have the same tendancies

Posted 15:04 06th June 2012

hayj05 says...

@forward_pass says - Maybe you should get your facts straight or get your eyes checked. There is not one NZer on this article gloating about the O'driscoll incident.

"tell me if you can't now understand why neutrals in civilised countries around the world generally want NZ to lose. In any sport. In any thing."

Are you trying to suggest that we aren't civilised?

NZ... My country... Is the most civil multicultural society in the world & is perennially rated 1st or 2nd on the global peace index - The most trusted & accurate peace index that takes many apsects of society into consideration.

So don't feed me your uniformed perception.

Posted 14:41 06th June 2012

Trader2 says...

Ahhh I love it the smell of the international season is in the air and the usual NH whiners (with the help of some other pratts) dredging up history to help get their heads around the fact that the AB's are the most successful sporting team in the world and it's just not fair. (sniffle sniffle) It's pathetic but great fun all the same.

Posted 14:21 06th June 2012

GCP_JONES says...

@leinster_goy...

I was'nt speaking on anyones behave, merely pointing out that I think jibes about an incident like that are in poor taste, its called having a moral viewpoint. You of all people should be protesting to what happened to O'Driscoll in 05.

As regards the situation with Ruddock and Ryan going to Munster, what about Felix Jones, Neil Ronan, Johne Murphy all from Leinster and playing for you know who.And where do you think Mike Ross, Eoin Reddan and Sean Cronin come from?.As for my name calling if I have offended you well all I can say is I'M DELIGHTED....

Posted 14:09 06th June 2012

hayj05 says...

@DrDeath - Admission of guilt? I didn't realise Trinats was Tana Umaga.

@Black47 - So we are the only ones that have this win at all costs attitude are we? I didn't realise we are the only team in world rugby that commits penalties or foul play.

The French got away with about 20 infringements in the last 15 minutes or so in the 07 QF but I guess that doesn't count because that's considered a Heroic French performance against the team everybody wants to see knocked out.

Posted 13:54 06th June 2012

staph_glorious says...

To preempt any further dim remarks, I was comparing Umaga, Mealamu and their ilk to everyone's favourite green giant. Trinats great line of "drop him on he head" as an elegant solution screamed of Hulkspeak. C'mon, coffee breaks everyone.

There's another great BOD you ought to remember, black47 - the benefit of the doubt. You don't know enough, so bite your tongue.

Posted 13:34 06th June 2012