The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Sat 13 Aug 2011, 10:52 pm

First topic message reminder :

Welcome to the virtual rugby pub - a place where you can come in for a sly beverage and discuss whatever's on your mind, or just eavesdrop on the regulars if you fancy a break from all the rugby chat.

The only rule in this pub is one of mutual respect for everyone in it, oh and no defacing the Tommy Bowe photo on the bar. That's a banning offence

So pull up a chair....what'll it be?

Ale

Previous pub: https://www.606v2.com/t11223p1000-the-dew-drop-inn-virtual-rugby-pub#366751

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:12 am

Jones is the key for you in the set piece lucky. Jenkins is a great player, but in terms of scrummaging I would say that Paul James is at least his equal, if not slightly stronger. Wales main issue in the scrum on Saturday was on the other side, where Corbisiero was giving Mitchell all sorts of problems. Having said that, and despite me being a bit bias as he is a London Irish boy, Corbs is very underated when it comes to scrummaging, so I was not surprised to see Mitchell having a hard time of it.

Gatland also needs to have long look at his midfield and realise that Roberts is more effective at 13 than at 12.

by Cari Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:15 am

Not much time for experimentation with the teams before the RWC now is there? I suspect things will stay pretty much the same... Rolling Eyes

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:17 am

Absolutely, Pete. I'd like to see Roberts stay at 13, with Hook at 12 and Priestland at outside half. People might say that Hook's a weakness defensively, but he held up the player and ripped the ball at least twice on Saturday.

by MBTGOG Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:20 am

Pete,

From what I saw and it's the same as the Six Nations is England gain their momentum from a top class back three. Problem is when no one kicks to them, England don't have another of creating that momentum.

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:25 am

I can see where you are coming from there Munsty, but that for me is a huge issue, and mainly with the coaching set up and the way the players are told to play. Taking the team that played on Saturday, the likes of Corbisiero, Thompson, Lawes, Wood, Fourie, Hape, Tindall, Banahan all provide go forward and momentum for their clubs. Whislt I appreciate that international rugby is a step up, none of them seemed to play in the same manner as they do in their club jerseys, and that is worrying. It looked very much like the players have done one thing, or played one way to get themselves selected, and are then asked to play very differently and aren't utilising their skill set.

England had good players on the pitch on Saturday, who fell far below the standard that they are capable of playing at, and that is very worrying this close to the World Cup.

by nottins Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:31 am

It was worrying the number of times that Hape lost the ball. I only saw a not so good stream of the game but Hape and to a lesser extent Banahan ran into tackles very upright and hence were easily held up and more often than not lost the ball.

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:34 am

Kia ora, mauri ora all, I hope everyone had a great weekend. Bought myself a new netbook yesterday afternoon, so I'm back on-line properly outside of the office Smile

Rev, hospitality? Nice one, can't believe you didn't mention it sooner Wink

by prop_lyd Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:35 am

Morning all, my new Glos top turned up Yahoo

plus off to drayton manor tomorrow with work!!

Lovely sunny day here and only a 4 day week for me before Cornwall cider

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:37 am

prop_lyd wrote:Morning all, my new Glos top turned up plus off to drayton manor tomorrow with work!!

Lovely sunny day here and only a 4 day week for me before Cornwall

Nice one Prop. I hope you bought it through the V2 shop and saved some £s Smile

by **rodders** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:40 am

MBTGOG wrote:Pete,

From what I saw and it's the same as the Six Nations is England gain their momentum from a top class back three. Problem is when no one kicks to them, England don't have another of creating that momentum.

I tell you what stood out for me Munsty is how important Ashton is. When Foden was counter attacking it was really quite predictable because he was on his own with no support runners.

When they play together they are quite dangerous but on his own Foden just drifts across the field looking for a gap until the defence shuts him down. The other two wingers were really poor.

I think Cueto is a pretty average player and I can't understand why Johnson persists with him and Bananaman didn't have a great game either. Surely JSD would offer more than these two?

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:49 am

Cueto gets a rough time of it rodders, but he is a good player who when used right is very effective. If you look at his performances in the autumn he gave England great go forward, which has been seriously lacking since. The other thing is that neither Foden nor Ashton have a good enough kicking game, and if you threw JSD in there, you would have a great counter attacking backline, but one that would have no option but to run everything. Cueto gives us that balance, but needs to be used more effectively.

by prop_lyd Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:50 am

Kiwireddevil wrote:
prop_lyd wrote:Morning all, my new Glos top turned up plus off to drayton manor tomorrow with work!!

Lovely sunny day here and only a 4 day week for me before Cornwall

Nice one Prop. I hope you bought it through the V2 shop and saved some £s

I ordered it mid July so didn't unfortunately.....may get the away kit that way though!!

by KiaRose Mon 15 Aug 2011, 9:58 am

Morning All

I stopped reading the bear story - too unbearable.

So here is a little light relief from that - you may in particular like the final photo

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-14521444

Also, I don't know if any of you ever watch Click on BBC news 24, but in the latest edition they suggest this web tool for checking the bona fides of web addresses etc. Passing it on as I know you all like to keep clean computers

http://www.virustotal.com

(By the way, I checked this site and it is ok Smile

)

by Cari Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:00 am

Kia - I find something quite disturbing about that scarecrow festival - the entries look scary!

by KiaRose Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:02 am

yeah, but they are really good Cari - and the lineout looks like it might have functioned better than Ireland's at the weekend

by Cari Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:03 am

KiaRose wrote:yeah, but they are really good Cari - and the lineout looks like it might have functioned better than Ireland's at the weekend

Someone's obviously put a lot of effort into that team!

by **Notch** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:10 am

What was massively different from England in the Six Nations was the danger the halfbacks posed. Youngs and Flood were such a running threat in the Spring... I thought Flood had a poor enough game, very predictable in attack. Care was decent and made at least one good break, but you really missed Youngs.

by Mickado Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:10 am

Morning all,

Sporting disappointment this weekend, but a lot to be positive about. Ireland will be buoyed by their second half and the Dubs will feel like they can take on anyone next season. You really only appreciate what’s going on when you’re in the stadium but some of the scores from both teams yesterday were every bit as skillful as anything I’ve ever seen Lionel Messi do, and people soil themselves when he’s on song.

Best and Cullen will be having sleepless nights over the lineouts from Saturday, but at least it’s good to see O’Connell coming on and steadying the ship, he was immense. And Murray and Jones were excellent. Another great game from Trimble and Kearney and I thought Fitzgerald was good (although I’m reading a lot of posters putting him down as having a bad game?). Tony Buckle should never pull on a green jersey again, unless Sale release one for their LV cup games…

by Portnoy Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:12 am

Thomond wrote:The Chinese media has reported on an extraordinary account of a mother bear saving her cub from a life of torture by strangling it and then killing itself.

The bears were kept in a farm located in a remote area in the North-West of China. The bears on the farm had their gall bladders milked daily for 'bear bile,' which is used as a remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

It was reported that the bears are kept in tiny cages known as 'crush cages', as the bears have no room to manoeuvre and are literally crushed.

The bile is harvested by making a permanent hole or fistula in the bears' abdomen and gall bladder.

As the hole is never closed, the animals are suspect to various infections and diseases including tumours, cancers and death from peritonitis.

The bears are fitted with an iron vest, as they often try to kill themselves by hitting their stomach as they are unable to bear the pain.

A person who was on the farm in place of a friend witnessed the procedures and told Reminbao.com that they were inhumane.

The witness also claimed that a mother bear broke out its cage when it heard its cub howl in fear before a worker punctured its stomach to milk the bile.

The workers ran away in fear when they saw the mother bear rushing to its cub's side.

Unable to free the cub from its restraints, the mother hugged the cub and eventually strangled it.

It then dropped the cub and ran head-first into a wall, killing itself.

Many TCM practitioners have denounced the use of bear bile in their treatment as there are cheaper herbs and synthetics that can be used in its place.

Bear bile is traditionally used to remove 'heat' from the body as well as treat high fever, liver ailments and sore eyes.

What a horrible story.

Pate de foie gras anyone?

by **Notch** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:13 am

Fitzgerald had a curate's egg of a game. I think he's shown he is positionally very sound on the wing, has the ability to beat a man and has a very good rugby brain and runs good lines. So a lot of positives in his performance.

But then he also does silly things like tackle players off the ball, overrun things etc. I think he's done enough to get on the plane these last two games, but it's very frustrating watching him as I know he can cut out the silly errors.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:15 am

Pate de foie gras followed by veal.

by Portnoy Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:23 am

luckless_pedestrian wrote:Pate de foie gras followed by veal.

I don't eat veal normally Lucky, especially that white meat crated stuff produced in Holland.

But farmers have to make a living and a male dairy calf is a paradox - something has to be done with them.

But there is a difference between sentimentality and cruelty.

by Cari Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:28 am

I just read that Chilli picked up a groin injury at the weekend. I hope he's going to be all right. Otherwise, reasons to be cheerful?

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/0815/1224302451446.html

by **rodders** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:31 am

Notch wrote:Fitzgerald had a curate's egg of a game.

I thought he was reliable enough just far too average. His defence is very good but he just doesn't seem to have the pace to really threaten defences bar the odd side step and half break or grubber kick.

He really should have been in support when Kearney made that break but was no where to be seen. You could imagine Bowe or Ashton getting on the end of that.

I think Fitzgerald had a decent game against Scotland but I just don't think he offers enough in attack against the best teams. By comparison Trimble had one of his best Irish performances and must surely be on the plane now.

by Thomond Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:33 am

Dublin lost that's always a reason to be happy Wink

by **Notch** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:38 am

A mixed bag Cari. I feel Kidney really hasn't show his hand yet, but our performance in France really wasn't good enough. Major problems with our set piece and no tries scored. Unless we improve drastically we won't challenge at the World Cup.

However, we've shown signs that we can indeed improve and right now we're only at 30 or 40%. Some players are putting their hands up and we have some quality players to come back into the team.

A win next week and I'll be optimistic. A defeat, and we'll start to find ourselves in difficulties.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:40 am

Glas a du wrote:Right, I'll put this one in the graveyard slot. Excellent ram safari yesterday. Seen quite a few sweepers potentially, quite a few that should be teasers as well mind!

Glas, hoe does one tell a sweeper

from a teaser

?!

by Cari Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:42 am

Thomond wrote:Dublin lost that's always a reason to be happy

I meant in the rugby article! raspberry

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:47 am

roddersm wrote:
Notch wrote:Fitzgerald had a curate's egg of a game.

I thought he was reliable enough just far too average. His defence is very good but he just doesn't seem to have the pace to really threaten defences bar the odd side step and half break or grubber kick.

He really should have been in support when Kearney made that break but was no where to be seen. You could imagine Bowe or Ashton getting on the end of that.

I think Fitzgerald had a decent game against Scotland but I just don't think he offers enough in attack against the best teams. By comparison Trimble had one of his best Irish performances and must surely be on the plane now.

Notch/rodders, who misses out to accommodate Fitzy? McFadden?

by poissonrouge Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:51 am

I agree that Fitzgerald was "Good in parts" but I have to stand up for him not being up in support of Kearney. Was that not the time he was taken out off the ball?

Morning all!

by **Notch** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:53 am

Yeah, I don't think McFadden will or should go. I don't think he is a better 12 than Wallace, a better 13 than Earls or a better winger than Fitzgerald.

I just think he needs more gametime for Leinster and not to be shunted around the backline and dropped for the big games. I think he's done well when called on for Ireland but I think that last spot should go to Felix Jones.

by Cari Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:55 am

I have to admit, I had to look up the expression "curate's egg". Never heard of it before.

by poissonrouge Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:56 am

Hiya Cari!

Howareya?

by **rodders** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:57 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote: Notch/rodders, who misses out to accommodate Fitzy? McFadden?

I'd imagine so but Felix Jones has certainly thrown his name into the hat, especially so with fitness concerns over Kearney. Forseably neither Fitzy or McFadden could go.
I'd say Fitzy could be sweating on his place now as he's had two chances to nail down a spot and hasn't done so however if D'arcy is available then McFadden might not get another chance.

If Jones gets a chance against France then I think its in his hands to get on the plane and I think Trimble has done enough already.

Edt: That said with so many fitness concerns around key players then you couldn't rule anyone out just yet.

by Cari Mon 15 Aug 2011, 10:58 am

poissonrouge wrote:
Hiya Cari!

Howareya?

All right MrsP mug

Nice to "see" you. Woss occurrin'?

Tommy has posted a tidy piccie of himself driving a tractor. That could be interesting on the pitch... Erm

by **Notch** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:00 am

I think it's a minor groin strain rodders. Not a big deal.

Right now, my backs would be;

Eoin Reddan, Tomas O'Leary, Conor Murray, Ronan O'Gara, Jonathon Sexton, Paddy Wallace, Gordon D'Arcy, Brian O'Driscoll, Keith Earls, Andrew Trimble, Tommy Bowe, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney, Felix Jones

by poissonrouge Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:01 am

He doesn't need a tractor Cari. It would just slow him down!

by littleswannygirl Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:04 am

MrsP is in the pub? Yahoo

Morning MrsP, very nice to see you!

by **rodders** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:05 am

Notch wrote:I think it's a minor groin strain rodders. Not a big deal.

Right now, my backs would be;

Eoin Reddan, Tomas O'Leary, Conor Murray, Ronan O'Gara, Jonathon Sexton, Paddy Wallace, Gordon D'Arcy, Brian O'Driscoll, Keith Earls, Andrew Trimble, Tommy Bowe, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney, Felix Jones

Yeah but if there are any doubts about his fitness at all then you need another Fullback in the squad.

I think you are spot on with the backs Notch but I think it could be a tight call between Fitzgerald and McFadden. If McFadden gets a shot on the wing next week then he could leapfrog Fitzgerald who's had a mixed bag so far.

I'd take Boss ahead of TOL but that won't happen.

by Thomond Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:05 am

McFadden has shown nothing that convinces me we should pick him ahead of Fitz. Luke has been defensively solid and has made one or two decent breaks.

by Cari Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:05 am

littleswannygirl wrote:MrsP is in the pub?

Well I hope it's her....or I've just insulted her other half (because I've called him a her...)

by Cari Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:06 am

I'm tempted to comment on the LukeyLR/McFadden debate but my comments would be wholly inappropriate censored

by poissonrouge Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:08 am

Yeah it's me alright.

Still like to keep an eye on you all.

How's married life treating you Swanny?

by Thomond Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:08 am

They wouldn't be Cari. In fact Luke Fitz's posterior could be our saving grace. Perhaps the opposition would be so blinded by it's beauty that they would be unable to tackle him. Or you know his swerving hips could send them quivering at the knees.

by **rodders** Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:09 am

Thomond wrote:McFadden has shown nothing that convinces me we should pick him ahead of Fitz. Luke has been defensively solid and has made one or two decent breaks.

No not yet and Fitz hasn't really done enough to shake off his mixed form this year. It depends if McFadden gets another chance or not. I'd say it will be a tight call but you'd fancy Fitzgerald to be the favourite to get in.

by littleswannygirl Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:14 am

poissonrouge wrote:How's married life treating you Swanny?

It's grand MrsP, though taking a wee bit of adjusting too. Day to day doesn't feel all that different really, it's the little things that catch me out. Like sitting in the doctors surgery oblivious to the fact that it was me they were calling. Doh

by nottins Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:15 am

littleswannygirl wrote:
poissonrouge wrote:How's married life treating you Swanny?

It's grand MrsP, though taking a wee bit of adjusting too. Day to day doesn't feel all that different really, it's the little things that catch me out. Like sitting in the doctors surgery oblivious to the fact that it was me they were calling.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:15 am

poissonrouge wrote:Yeah it's me alright.

Still like to keep an eye on you all.

How's married life treating you Swanny?

Right, enough of this masquerading business, away and get yersel yer own login!!! Hug

by poissonrouge Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:16 am

Yeah and looking around to see why they are calling your mother-in-law's name?

by poissonrouge Mon 15 Aug 2011, 11:22 am

Hiya Asbo!

Nah. I think I'll keep it like this then if I say something stupid... Erm

...<edit>...when I say something stupid I can just blame him!

Result!

Very Happy

by Sponsored content