The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub

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 Stephen Jones photo on the bar. That's a banning offence

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

2nd half, Thom? Promise I'll get there and have a balanced view!!

Are you lot watching the highlight so these games on the red button?

BBC Iplayer are showing all three matches in full Thomond.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

Notch wrote:

Thomond wrote:SOB is great with the ball in hand but doesn't do enough elsewhere. Ferris was great in his cameo and I'm in favour of starting him as I alwys was.

+1 for me. To be fair, his carrying game is brilliant and of real value to us. But by starting him we are losing out in other, less obvious, areas. I think as an impact player he will be exceptional for us coming off the bench.

isn't this a balance in the back row issue? SOB-Jennings-Heaslip works just fine, slightly better than SOB-Wallace-Heaslip imo, even tho Wallace is the better individual player (vs Jennings) for me. Jennings let's SOB play the game at which he excels, but if you task him to play alongside Wallace or even worse at 7, then of course you'd expect a different outcome. 1F still the best blindside in Ireland by a distance, and works well with Wallace cos he doesn't rely so much on Wallace playing a specific role

The problem with that is Jennings has struggled to be as influential on international games due to the higher pace; if we had a Pocock or a McCaw I'd agree but we lack a test-standard 'fetcher'. It all makes sense on paper but I just don't think Jennings can influence games at this level in the same way he can for Leinster.

Won't work for me Dreamer but thanks.

Cant agree on Jennings. He was poor. I feel for the guy as its his first game back and his only chance in reality but he was not at the races. His tackle stats arent good for a flanker. I really wanted him to set down a marker but he didnt.

SOB looks fantastic on front foot ball but isnt nearly as conspicuous in defence. He is an awesome player dont get me wrong but he isnt an enforcer type player which we badly miss. He fell of Picamoles twice unfortunately and notably Ferris first hit was driving Pape back 3/4 yards. Notable because no french player had been driven back as fiercely in the 66 mins prior to that.

Hits like that lift your teammates and suck the life out of your opponents and we are missing it. Ferris is our enforcer and we need him badly. Can SOB and Ferris combine in a backrow?? Who knows. As notch says though we need Wally and Ferris to get gametime next week though

That was a gorgeous 1st try there by Italy, sublime handling in their backs to break away for that. Lovely to see.

Standulstermen wrote:Cant agree on Jennings. He was poor. I feel for the guy as its his first game back and his only chance in reality but he was not at the races. His tackle stats arent good for a flanker. I really wanted him to set down a marker but he didnt.

SOB looks fantastic on front foot ball but isnt nearly as conspicuous in defence. He is an awesome player dont get me wrong but he isnt an enforcer type player which we badly miss. He fell of Picamoles twice unfortunately and notably Ferris first hit was driving Pape back 3/4 yards. Notable because no french player had been driven back as fiercely in the 66 mins prior to that.

Hits like that lift your teammates and suck the life out of your opponents and we are missing it. Ferris is our enforcer and we need him badly. Can SOB and Ferris combine in a backrow?? Who knows. As notch says though we need Wally and Ferris to get gametime next week though

Stand, I honestly think thats harsh - how many good tackles had SOB completed prior to that in addition to the couple he'd missed. Alongside that, if I trot out on the pitch with 66mins gone, damn sure my first hit will be a big one, particularly if I haven't played for donkeys. And interestingly that's the same attitude I think that Jennings took into this game, particularly with finding out that he was starting late on - a massive desire to show in a limited time that he had what it takes. And let's be honest, at least 1F as had plenty of opportunities before whereas this may well have been Jennings' only chance. Anyway, stop responding and give me a chance to watch the second half!

Jennings didn't do anything to convince people he should go,even his ost loyal supporter(only loyal supporter? ) admitted that!

Jeez, wasn't it just - they must have known that Brown would be stuck to the scrum trying to shore up Dickinson, so the blindside was going wide open. But well executed, neat interplay, subtle offloads and some seriously shoddy tackling, with Rory Lamont making good ground to cover the threat only to fluff the tackle - Bienvenuto (sp?) must have thought Christmas had come early

Thomond wrote:Jennings didn't do anything to convince people he should go,even his ost loyal supporter(only loyal supporter? ) admitted that!

Thom, notbsaying he did, but he must have deteriorated badly in the second half to be so written off, else he's the victim of being over-hyped in the first place?

He was always up against it Asbo, particularly after the injury.

ha aye As he probably did!

I just love that Italy are still trying to play this sort of rugby, not only that but they're getting so much better at it too.

Scotland for the most part looking good to me, a bit rusty but then that's to be expected with how little rugby a lot of them have had.

Alright Rev

good thanks Glas, you?

Musnt grumble see, no Flip'd listen anyway!

ah poor Glas, I don't think others liked your question (and my brain still isn't working well enough for me to try and answer)

I heard these lads sing in Romford market a couple of years back they were brilliant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUFauIQeEWM&feature=related

Under Sherwood, without a mouse;waiting for the rats;the wild deer just started 'barking', which winds up Loupa;in for a quiet night but at least cool-ish And insects all over 5the sreewnnhjg6uyyfdc v

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

Thomond wrote:Jennings didn't do anything to convince people he should go,even his ost loyal supporter(only loyal supporter? ) admitted that!

Thom, notbsaying he did, but he must have deteriorated badly in the second half to be so written off, else he's the victim of being over-hyped in the first place?

I don't think he was over-hyped and I don't think he played all that badly. He was just... not effective enough to justify his place in light of better options in the backrow. And let's be fair; first game of the season, always difficult. Coming back from injury, always difficult. So there are extenuating circumstances.

We have a similar problem in the centres- neither D'Arcy or Wallace have truly stamped their authority on the position. Same with all our candidates for scrum-half. But the difference is, luckily for them, there aren't players who have done just that at inside centre and scrumhalf; unlike our stocks of flankers. We're much stronger in that position and when you have guys like David Wallace and Stephen Ferris not in the starting XV yesterday, you really have to hold onto that jersey with everything you have when given the chance because they are proven class and no coach is going to worry about bringing them straight back in.

I particularly feel, in the test matches I've watched, that powerful clearing out and counter-rucking is the root of more turnovers than anything else. I'm tending towards power over guile nowadays. There is room for a fetcher who iss first in and can use their body strength to get over the ball and slow things down. The crafty openside. But he has to be really good at what he does. Like McCaw and Pocock. I also feel both those players have more physical presence than Jennings, which is obviously key. I feel we don't need a specialist, what we need is three versatile well-rounded backrowers who can all contest the breakdown as well as carry the ball.

something happen as you were writing that last bit Mick?!


Poor defence by Scotland for Italy's 2nd try, but they are looking good going forward, really hungry for the ball and competing very well at the breakdown.

Jennings is ace.

On another note, I am bummed out right now. Affairs of the heart. A promising new relationship consigned to the dustbin of history.

A phone call made there; "Mon Cheri, there is nothing left to say"... as they say

Maybe it is a sign of my priorities that I penned a very earnest amateur analysis of Irelands backrow before typing this post! Ha.

I remain young and in my prime, debatably. But very single. Ah well. Such is life

Aslongas

I dont like criticising SOB. He has had an awesome season but yesterday i dont think he was as good as made out. He makes a ludicrous amount of yards but he isnt dominant at the tackle area which is what Ireland need. Watch ferris in the 20mins or so and you will see what im referring to. He tackles the player and dominates the contest. I still think there is merit in a 1F, SOB, Heaslip backrow but that depends massively on Wallace.

It depends on Ferris as well. A good cameo is just that. He needs to back it up next week but if he does return to form he is the better 6.

oooh poor Italy, nightmare charge down kick for Scotland to cross for another try. Really enjoying this match.

As always though Italy need to get a better kicker then Bergamasco.

Notch -

Indeed a virtual pint would be a fine thing!

have as many as you like!


ooo lots of handbags starting in this rugby match and you can see why, Italy are getting very frustrated, that one charged down kick changed the whole flow of the match at a time when they were really on top and think could have gotten the lead.

You've watched Ireland now you're watching Italy- should we be worried?

It's probably gonna come down to us versus them in the last match after all for a quarter-final spot.

righty, just finished watching all my rugby for the day, thoroughly enjoyed the Scotland v Italy match. Gutted for Niki Walker getting injured so close to the end of the match.

Italy still need to cut out basic errors of their game and get a better kicker, but they are looking stronger in attack and are going to be a handful for any side.

Scotland still have a few defensive frailties but on the whole I saw improvement from them, some good attacking moves and they fought hard for the ball.

Think both teams are going to take positives out of that game.

And now I'm off for the night, super sleepy.

Nos da pawb/Good night all.

Notch - almost missed your post there sorry. I would say Ireland have to play at their best to beat Italy. You saw in the 6N's how dangerous they were, and I know the whole "oh but they don't travel well" reason is out there, but I don't think Ireland travel particularly well either so that point is nullified for me.

Italy are no longer a side that runs out of energy at 60mins, they still have their tough forwards but they've introduced some really good back play to their game as well.

They are still prone to panicking and having a wobbly lineout, and making the odd costly error (like the chargedowned kick). But they don't give up. They're a dangerous side to have in the group to be honest I think. Othersides can just be thenkul they don't have a very consistent kicker, because that often lets teams off the hook against them. If they sorted that out, they'd be really, really tough to beat imo.

Quiet in here tonight. Echo echo echo...

Just in from planet of the apes. Thoroughly unimpressed though Freida looks good.

I also see Mr Hartson on match of the day 2. Aren't him and Hobo tight? Should have got him to name check us!

Sorry to hear that Notch. I haven't got it yet but I know it's there if you keep the faith.

MBTGOG wrote:Sorry to hear that Notch. I haven't got it yet but I know it's there if you keep the faith.

Hehe. The search for the one? Or just another one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZGc2sIajMM

I don't think its a question of faith, more utility. Eventually you may or may not stumble across someone who thinks you're not hideous to look at and wants broadly the same things. Then it's just a question of a) not screwing it up and b) making sure you can store up enough brownie points during the week to get away to enjoy the rugby at the weekend

Nah, I jest. A bit of cynicism. But really, there's a hell of a lot of worse things that can happen like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtfQg4KkR88

Sel-esteem booster. Night all

Notch wrote:On another note, I am bummed out right now. Affairs of the heart. A promising new relationship consigned to the dustbin of history.

A phone call made there; "Mon Cheri, there is nothing left to say"... as they say


I remain young and in my prime, debatably. But very single. Ah well. Such is life

Hey bud been there many a time just keep your chin up and do what i do....i've banned myself from women lately (gone 3 months so far), actually helps

If not hit the had a lovely time on holiday and got the day off tomorrow for a spa day

Glas a du wrote:Alright Rev

good thanks Glas, you?

Musnt grumble see, no Flip'd listen anyway!

Really? I haven't been in here? You should know why!

Portnoy, stop posting rugby in here hypocrite. SOB is toss. Warburton is the man!

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/
http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport?mobile-redirect=false
http://sport.scotsman.com/rugby
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/
http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/rugby

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/headlines.cfm?c_id=80
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union

I remain young and in my prime, debatably. But very single. Ah well. Such is life

Be careful what you wish for Notch!

P.S. stop speaking French to them, they'll think your pretentious.

Good Morning Pub

Notch - sorry to hear about your It will mend. I've had my fair share of man bother, and it sucks at the time, but it's good practice. Hasn't put me off (unfortunately for some! )

I was reading about the Formula 1 race being put on in Dublin next year. For a free event it sounds great.

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/drive-to-lure-f1-stars-to-dublins-streets-for-a-race-spectacular-2854181.html

Notch wrote:

MBTGOG wrote:Sorry to hear that Notch. I haven't got it yet but I know it's there if you keep the faith.

Hehe. The search for the one? Or just another one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZGc2sIajMM

I don't think its a question of faith, more utility. Eventually you may or may not stumble across someone who thinks you're not hideous to look at and wants broadly the same things. Then it's just a question of a) not screwing it up and b) making sure you can store up enough brownie points during the week to get away to enjoy the rugby at the weekend

Nah, I jest. A bit of cynicism. But really, there's a hell of a lot of worse things that can happen like.

I really hope that wasn't your line.

Morning all, usual for me pls: &

Some horrible noises coming out the Scotland camp that Richie Vernon may be selected in the place of Johnnie Beattie - think that would be a terrible mistake

Asbo - what's up with Beattie?

MBTGOG wrote:

Notch wrote:

MBTGOG wrote:Sorry to hear that Notch. I haven't got it yet but I know it's there if you keep the faith.

Hehe. The search for the one? Or just another one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZGc2sIajMM

I don't think its a question of faith, more utility. Eventually you may or may not stumble across someone who thinks you're not hideous to look at and wants broadly the same things. Then it's just a question of a) not screwing it up and b) making sure you can store up enough brownie points during the week to get away to enjoy the rugby at the weekend

Nah, I jest. A bit of cynicism. But really, there's a hell of a lot of worse things that can happen like.

I really hope that wasn't your line.

Hehe. No.

Notch wrote:

MBTGOG wrote:

Notch wrote:

MBTGOG wrote:Sorry to hear that Notch. I haven't got it yet but I know it's there if you keep the faith.

Hehe. The search for the one? Or just another one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZGc2sIajMM

I don't think its a question of faith, more utility. Eventually you may or may not stumble across someone who thinks you're not hideous to look at and wants broadly the same things. Then it's just a question of a) not screwing it up and b) making sure you can store up enough brownie points during the week to get away to enjoy the rugby at the weekend

Nah, I jest. A bit of cynicism. But really, there's a hell of a lot of worse things that can happen like.

I really hope that wasn't your line.

Hehe. No.

Good. Might have explained some things.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Morning all, usual for me pls: &

Some horrible noises coming out the Scotland camp that Richie Vernon may be selected in the place of Johnnie Beattie - think that would be a terrible mistake

I agree. Beattie has real class and is worth the punt unless he's injured. They need his go forward as the other backrowers won't provide that.

Cari wrote:Asbo - what's up with Beattie?

Cariadwr, I think it's simply that his form is mixed and that he didn't do quite enough against Ireland

Morning,

Asbo - think it would be shooting themselves in the foot leaving out Beattie.

Notch - hope your ok pal.

MBTGOG wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Morning all, usual for me pls: &

Some horrible noises coming out the Scotland camp that Richie Vernon may be selected in the place of Johnnie Beattie - think that would be a terrible mistake

I agree. Beattie has real class and is worth the punt unless he's injured. They need his go forward as the other backrowers won't provide that.

+1

A lot of people have got into work this morning and surreptitiously opened an extra tab in their internet browser for breaking sports news and perhaps one for 606v2 as well. Today is a good day.

From an Irish perspective I genuinely couldn't name you our 30. For my part I have 23 in mind who have been sent their plane tickets and been told to pack. The other 7 spots are open to Mr Kidney's interpretation.

red_stag wrote:Morning,

Asbo - think it would be shooting themselves in the foot leaving out Beattie.

Notch - hope your ok pal.

It's just rumour at this stage. If true, the one benefit is that it indicates Robbo is at least no longer considering Hines as an int'l quality 6 cos he'll have both Brown & Stroks

Morning all, make mine an Asbo Special


James O'Connor has been suspended for a week by the ARU for missing their RWC squad announcement (he was seen out on the town the night before) so he'll miss the final 3N test.

Deans has form, back in the 90s Canterbury dropped a player for a match vs North Harbour for being 10 minutes late for training. Franck Bunce (who played for Harbour) commented something like "If we did that we'd only have 7 guys on the pitch".