Rugby

[firehazard]

How unlucky were Ireland. And England v NZ

Fantastic match in Dublin. I'm not sure I've ever seen Ireland play as well (apart possibly from a few times against England, when they usually raise their game, but then again that's only England). So close to a first win, but those All Blacks are damn hard to beat, in whatever code.

Thought it was one of the best-refereed matches I've seen for ages too, which really helped the flow. Well done Mr Owens.

[Welshie]

Really felt for Irealand, but i dont know why as soon as the last penalty was given, i knew NZ were going to score!
One more last week, then its back to club action. Scoland played well in patches as well, if Wales get that much possession we may be in with a shout....and Richie Grey was not in the 23!
Cheers
Aled

[Welshie]

Last one of the Autumn tomorrow, could be a good one for the neutral, but i reckon Australia will do it, we are not a t full strength!
Cheers
Aled

[firehazard]

Last one of the Autumn tomorrow, could be a good one for the neutral, but i reckon Australia will do it, we are not a t full strength!

Looking forward to it. Australia seem to have got stronger as the autumn has gone on, but surely it's time for Wales to get a win against them?!

[Niall]

RLWC Final tomorrow. Promises to be a cracker. BBC1 from 145 for anyone who is interested

[Welshie]

Ah yes there's a few boys from Wales going to be at Old Trafford, unbeknown to me some of my shooting & fishing pals played a bit of R League at uni! Enjoy. By the way i wonder if some of Australia "A" (better known as Italy Rugby League team) will be available for the Rugby Union team in the coming months!
Still looking forward to 5pm tomorrow though!
Cheers
Aled

[soulfinger]

Absolutely awesome performance from the Aussies at a packed OT yesterday. Their defencive work was absolutely immaculate. The crowd was very pro NZ but they never looked like scoring and the atmosphere sort of dwindled as a result.

[Welshie]

Glad you had a good day Soulfinger, the buzz looked very good there. Good day for Australia in general, as the Union side beat Wales again, it would appear to be "same old same old!
Cheers
Aled

[firehazard]

...Good day for Australia in general, as the Union side beat Wales again, it would appear to be "same old same old!

So near yet so far, again, for Wales. Bet you'll be the team to beat in the 6N again, though, Aled!

So this year we've had Wales beat England, England beat Australia, Australia beat Wales. That Pool A at the RWC in 2015 is looking a true group of death.

Glad you had a good day, SF.

[Welshie]

Yes group A is the group of death as we also have a Pacific Island team, who seem to have a habit of beating us at World Cups!!! Wales will only be the team to beat if we have our strongest 25-28 players available we have a strong starting 23, but no strength in depth! I will however suggest we keep an eye on young Blues Outside half, he will a good one for the future.
Cheers
Aled

[Welshie]

Arguments in the H cup again!
Getting on my nerves now, the tournament is very important financially to all clubs in Europe sort out please!
Cheers
Aled

[firehazard]

Arguments in the H cup again!
Getting on my nerves now, the tournament is very important financially to all clubs in Europe sort out please!
...

It's looking like a real mess for next season. Not good, especially in a season leading up to a World Cup.

Meanwhile England seem to be piling up the injuries, especially among the backs. Not sure who's likely to still be standing come the 6N!

[Welshie]

Yes i agree FH.
The injury situation in England though is never as bad as in some of the Celtic countries, there is nearly always someone just as good waiting in the wings.....
Cheers
Aled

[firehazard]

...
The injury situation in England though is never as bad as in some of the Celtic countries, there is nearly always someone just as good waiting in the wings.....

Dunno, this time there seems to be a real pile-up of injuries to backs. Could be a chance to try some new blood during the 6N, but I think England missed a chance to do so during the autumn internationals, which could be a mistake. Mind you, they'd've tried a new wing combo against Argentina if both of them hadn't got injured during training that week. I was looking forward to seeing Yarde and Wade together. Wade's out now for the rest of the season.

There was an interesting bit on the Rugby Club on TV this week, about the number of Lions players (from all the Lions nations) who are now out injured. They more or less put a XV of them together. Apparently in the season after a Lions tour, France almost always win the 6N, which may not be a coincidence.

[Welshie]

Would not surprise me, the best of the home nations players are prob3ably knackered!
Cheers
Aled