The Rugby Thread

[talkshowhost86]

Also for what it's worth...Cipriani really isn't great.

In two years when Marcus Smith is running world rugby, Cipriani will be forgotten

 

[E17yid]

Daft to suggest they're even close to be fair. Say what you want about Marler and Brown on the pitch, but it's Cippers' off the field indiscretions that mean he doesn't get picked.

Just a shame he picked Gavin Henson as his inspiration really.

I was only joking. You’re right to make the distinction between off and on the field.

I just wanted to lure you out of hiding.

 

[E17yid]

Also for what it's worth...Cipriani really isn't great.

In two years when Marcus Smith is running world rugby, Cipriani will be forgotten

Barret is only 26 I think. Maybe in 10 years.

 

[talkshowhost86]

I was only joking. You’re right to make the distinction between off and on the field.

I just wanted to lure you out of hiding.

I'm trying to avoid all sport at the moment. What with Spurs and Quins/England both being on losing form it's all far too depressing.

 

[E17yid]

I'm trying to avoid all sport at the moment. What with Spurs and Quins/England both being on losing form it's all far too depressing.

You’ve (Quins) have been unlucky judging by the 1 game I’ve seen and a few highlights. Definitely better than last year. But yeah, results not great.

As far as England goes the summer seems a long time ago now. All focus on the summer. If you can get revenge against SA (which I expect you will) and run NZ close confidence will be on the up again.

The less said about Spurs at the moment the better. Not looking forward to the Brighton game.

Luckily for me I’ve got a 3 day old newborn to keep me busy.

 

[E17yid]

Cardiff V Munster was a great game last night.

 

[Arnoldtoo]

Also for what it's worth...Cipriani really isn't great.

In two years when Marcus Smith is running world rugby, Cipriani will be forgotten

I don't think he's brilliant, but he's got something that Ford, and certainly Farrell hasn't got, and it's something that might does sometimes make the difference when it matters. Smith won't be that man for the World Cup.

(Cipriani probably won't either, but that's beside the point!)

 

[E17yid]

Good to hear, as I’ve suspected, Gatland say the door is open for Rhys Webb re the WC.

If we suffer a couple of injuries at 9 or Rhys’ form is unbelievable for Toulon then, he said, he hopes common sense will prevail

We only have, including Webb, 5 or 6 elite, world class players in Wales and it makes no sense to reduce that number by 1 to omit Webb. The rule changes have been good for Wales, the Pro 14 is looking very strong at the minute and lots of players back in Wales, but fuck the rules in this instance.

 

[talkshowhost86]

Good to hear, as I’ve suspected, Gatland say the door is open for Rhys Webb re the WC.

If we suffer a couple of injuries at 9 or Rhys’ form is unbelievable for Toulon then, he said, he hopes common sense will prevail

We only have, including Webb, 5 or 6 elite, world class players in Wales and it makes no sense to reduce that number by 1 to omit Webb. The rule changes have been good for Wales, the Pro 14 is looking very strong at the minute and lots of players back in Wales, but fuck the rules in this instance.

I imagine there might be some very pissed off Welsh players if they allow Webb into the squad. It also makes a bit of a mockery of the whole thing if you're going to ignore the rule for a certain player.

Personally I'd much rather the best players be at the World Cup so I hope Webb gets to go, but I'm not sure how the WRFU then persuade anyone to stay in Wales for very long.

 

[Japhet]

I imagine there might be some very pissed off Welsh players if they allow Webb into the squad. It also makes a bit of a mockery of the whole thing if you're going to ignore the rule for a certain player.

Personally I'd much rather the best players be at the World Cup so I hope Webb gets to go, but I'm not sure how the WRFU then persuade anyone to stay in Wales for very long.

No point in having the rule at all if it gets ignored when convenient. It was meant to stop the exodus of talented players to France so it's a shame the WRFU seem to prioritise their needs above those of the clubs and the fans.

 

[E17yid]

I imagine there might be some very pissed off Welsh players if they allow Webb into the squad. It also makes a bit of a mockery of the whole thing if you're going to ignore the rule for a certain player.

Personally I'd much rather the best players be at the World Cup so I hope Webb gets to go, but I'm not sure how the WRFU then persuade anyone to stay in Wales for very long.

I think, as long as he stays fit, Gareth Davies willl be first choice 9. If bringing back Webb pisses off Aled Davies I’m good with that as he’s average. I genuinely think the rest of the squad will be happy with it. It’s not like the rule changes happened then Webb moved to Toulon. I think the players would back him as Rhys got shafted.

It’s a one off. That’s how I’m viewing it. You could be right though.

 

[E17yid]

Gareth Davies has kicked on and I like him and would say, other than Perranara (who I actually prefer to Aaron Smith) is the best back up 9 in the world but he’s not as good as Webb. Mind you, it wasn’t long ago that he was laughed at for being a late inclusion into the Lions squad as part of the geography 6 or whatever they were called which even though I knew that was incredibly harsh at the time he has really come on these last couple of years.

 

[E17yid]

No point in having the rule at all if it gets ignored when convenient. It was meant to stop the exodus of talented players to France so it's a shame the WRFU seem to prioritise their needs above those of the clubs and the fans.

Exceptional circumstances. Webb was apparently told just before he went to Toulon that he’d be fine re the national team. He then signs and the day after the changes are announced.

It’s akso worth saying that this is from Gats and only if there are injuries and stuff. The word from the top is it’s not happening. We’ll see.

 

[Japhet]

Exceptional circumstances. Webb was apparently told just before he went to Toulon that he’d be fine re the national team. He then signs and the day after the changes are announced.

It’s akso worth saying that this is from Gats and only if there are injuries and stuff. The word from the top is it’s not happening. We’ll see.

I bet it will happen if there's something in it for the Welsh team. It will be like the Harlequins 'bloodgate' debacle with some mystery injury if they so choose. Shouldn't be happening at all and if, as you say, they fucked up with what they told Webb and when, the WRFU should take that one on the chin instead of breaking the rules.

 

[E17yid]

I bet it will happen if there's something in it for the Welsh team. It will be like the Harlequins 'bloodgate' debacle with some mystery injury if they so choose. Shouldn't be happening at all and if, as you say, they fucked up with what they told Webb and when, the WRFU should take that one on the chin instead of breaking the rules.

Yeah I can see what you’re saying. Don’t think we’d go down the fake injury route, though.

How’s Biggar doing? Nothing spectacular from what I read and hear (and even less of what I see) but sounds like he’s been solid, kicked most of his kicks etc etc

 

[Japhet]

Yeah I can see what you’re saying. Don’t think we’d go down the fake injury route, though.

How’s Biggar doing? Nothing spectacular from what I read and hear (and even less of what I see) but sounds like he’s been solid, kicked most of his kicks etc etc

Been solid enough and was unlucky to hit the post which would have evened the score v Bath. One thing for sure, he's a damn sight better than our options at 10 last year and he's fearless under the high ball. I've only really caught some highlights and stuff on TV but I might make it to the Bristol game. I wasn't very enamoured when we signed him tbh but he's doing a decent job in a team that is trying to get a bit of direction, and there's no more important position in that situation than 10.

 

[Arnoldtoo]

@E17yid I want you to sit down and take a deep breath before you read this, and try not to get upset ...

Spoiler

England prop Joe Marler has retired from international rugby at the age of 28 for personal reasons.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/45659034

 

[teok]

That's a huge shame, I can't say I'm not curious as to why though.

 

[E17yid]

@E17yid I want you to sit down and take a deep breath before you read this, and try not to get upset ...

Spoiler

England prop Joe Marler has retired from international rugby at the age of 28 for personal reasons.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/45659034

Tbh, though I’m no fan, without knowing what these personal reasons are I’m gunna hold back on the digs. He could be going through some dark shit for all I know in which case I’d wish him well.

 

[teok]

It must have been serious this close to a world cup.