The Rugby Union Thread

Gassage

VimFuego said:

there's a number of solid alternatives out there; Ewers of Exeter, wosshis face of Leicester (crane?) or thingy of Northamton all spring to mind, as well as Tom Johnson, it all kinda depends on what Lancaster wants. I suspect they will have to pick someone who's at least trained with the elite squad, not sure who's been in that though. Gassage probably has the inside scoop, don't think he's been seen since Saturday, so he may still be in Twickers hospitality.

They will go with Morgan or Wood.

TJ playing well but he's so small. Smaller than me. EPS players only for this one, they having promoted from Saxons.

VimFuego

yup, I was referring to who they'll pick on the bench as a back row replacement (assuming they do of course).

Gassage

I think they'll go with Parling, and have Lawes/Joe to cover 6. Wood can play anywhere across the back row.

VimFuego

I thought he was injured?

Gassage

I thought he was available as of a week ago. Not sure. Kvesic is the other option I guess. I have no inside track right now.

VimFuego

yeah, I'm not sure when Parling was/is due back, he can't have had much game time though. He didn't play at the weekend.

Gassage

I spoke to him just after Xmas- he took a lot of corti in his shoulder during Lions. He said he was due a rest!! Great guy- always 110% effort, if not the biggest.

tbm

Gassage said:

@koneguitarist @bertie

You'll enjoy this week's piece. Lots of Martyn Williams and Drico...

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16016_9196751,00.html

In fairness, there might be a bit much BOD in there for Koney )

That's some level of praise from Nugget though!

Gassage

tbm said:

Gassage said:

@koneguitarist @bertie

You'll enjoy this week's piece. Lots of Martyn Williams and Drico...

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16016_9196751,00.html

In fairness, there might be a bit much BOD in there for Koney )

That's some level of praise from Nugget though!

Nug is one of the best and nicest men in rugby and very intelligent in his analysis.

He was Drico's roomy in Australia.

I was pleased when he sang out Hill with McCaw and Carter. Immense praise, and IMO, spot on. People forget just how brilliant Hilly was- he was epically influential in every test he ever played.

When I did the big McCaw piece in Nov, RMcC said Hill was his role model when he first came into test rugby.

VimFuego

whenever people mention Dan Carter it always reminds me of this clip:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lDUSoR8ZK8

 

 

bertie

Gassage said:

People forget just how brilliant Hilly was-

not true fans that actually know the game dont  

Gassage

bertie said:

Gassage said:

People forget just how brilliant Hilly was-

not true fans that actually know the game dont  

He actually does some BD for a company I am involved with.

Gassage

By the way- I just heard Tom Johnson will bench.

koneguitarist

I think the team that Lancaster has picked is with one eye on the RWC de elopement of his squad. 

Build up developement and experiance of his squad, rather than trying to win Six nations.

Which is brave, as he has one year left to finalise the squad, most players pick them selves, but 

There are still places in squad up for grabs, plus good players returning from injury soon.

I think Wales with their back line will and solid defence will win, but still think a very close call.

Gassage

Enjoyed doing this one yesterday with Nigel Owens

Top man.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_9198664,00.html

tbm

Gassage said:

Enjoyed doing this one yesterday with Nigel Owens

Top man.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_9198664,00.html

There been quite the debate in Ireland on homophobia over the last few months. You probably heard about Neil Frances' moronic comments about gays in sport, but Nigel has popped up a lot in the Irish media and he always has wise words.

tbm

I don't think Ireland will lose this weekend, but I don't see us wracking up the points we'll require. I can see England sqeeking past Wales and then putting a cricket score up against Italy. I really hope Sexton doesn't play on saturday, and that he's kept primed for France.

That French team looks, interesting.... 

Gassage

tbm said:

Gassage said:

Enjoyed doing this one yesterday with Nigel Owens

Top man.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_9198664,00.html

There been quite the debate in Ireland on homophobia over the last few months. You probably heard about Neil Frances' moronic comments about gays in sport, but Nigel has popped up a lot in the Irish media and he always has wise words.

Franny has a penchant for moronic words. Shame he had a yellow streak a mile wide on the pitch otherwise someone might listen.

koneguitarist

Luke Charteris out and Jake Ball in, still the one area that England will have the edge!

Goal kicking on a par, we have a more settled and balanced back row with more experiance. 

But England are the more in form team, gonna be tight.

Gassage

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9817_9197070,00.html more bollocks from me