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 collage of pub regulars. We've got the big group pic from the HEC final in Cardiff, plus insets of ll those who couldn't make it

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



Last Pub: https://www.606v2.com/t15430p950-the-dew-drop-inn-virtual-rugby-pub#560300

Glas a du wrote:

I will get my rosary out later...

Is that an euphamism?

Rosary...

...Rose garden...

...Lady garden...

...

What a train of thought

Angus and Elspeth blew hard on their thistle whistles...

What a train of thought

The train has hit the buffers ...

...

Smiley heaven

red_stag wrote:
I was discussing the future of the Irish game on antoher thread and someone made the point that we need show faith in young players and that it was ridiculous that Sexton was dropped and it showed Kidney had no faith in him as a player

Stag you have taken that comment out of context. If Kidney had no faith in him whatsoever he wouldn't be in the squad. I was making the comparision between the way Gatland has handled Priestland vs the way Sexton has been handled by Kidney.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGZaAwD2Mls

Absolutely love this song. Think it sums up the feelings of the Irish diaspora perfectly.

Rodders,

They are different situations.

Rodders IMO they are different issues entirely. Anyway we won't get into it.

Munsty - your right, I sometimes think we are only happy when we're miserable. Or else ill fate just befalls us and we can only make the best of it.

My 5-year old nephew used call the 3 Tenors - turty-quid. He thought it was hilarious. So did I... the 1st time like. Bless im.

I tend to agree Stag, we love wallowing in it. Then using it positively later.

Carr for Ireland now!

Carr is a flyer Glas and will see at least a chance for Ireland. But my next great white-hope - is Madigan. He is settling in at 10 and is starting to run games well. Kicks like a Saffer too.

But Gibbo, he can only scores tries. Kidney wants wingers who can clear out rucks and jump in the line outs as well.

Man, Glas, you are really having fun this week. And I don't blame you.

Gibbo, I've never rated Madigan but recently I've been taking a lot more interest in him. There will always be those players who haven't be heralded but turn out ok. Sexton is one of these guys I think.

I know you've had him captaining Lions since he was 12 Gibbo, but really he was 24 when he forced his way into the Leinster team and immediately got fasttracked into the Irish setup.

All true Stag.

I liked the fact that Deccie took a chance on youth, going into the RWC.

Murray is here to stay. Felix Jones will be back. I can see them as our future 9 & 15.

Now, all we need is a couple of locks, a couple of Props... and 2 goys to replace BOD & Dorce next season. We need speed, power and intelligence - in the centre.

Strauss will be eligible next year too. He would be a major asset. Lets see how Cronin handles that battle when he gets back.

I thought Rory Best was our most consistent player in the RWC. He was brilliant. Hooker will not be a problem.

Stag, I can see where Rodders is coming from. I saw a documentary the other day about Kurt Warner a legendary QB. As his career was winding down,he signed to the New York Giants as a backup. The Giants had a rookie at QB named Eli Manning. In one game Manning ended up throwing 4 interceptions whereby Warner was thrust into action. After the game Warner criticised the Coach of the Giants saying Eli would never develop if he didn't learn from his mistakes. Manning remained starter for that season and won the Superbowl 3 years later.


Different sports but is it a simlar scenario?

I really think Sexton will remain No. 1. He has to, if we want to advance our rugby style. Murray and Sexton did not have much time together. 6-N for sure.

And what's the 1st game up in Feb? Yes... Wales.

Evening all, Wales up first? That will be interessing

ASM are 100 years old today.

Great photo of the 1stXV and coach

http://www.asm-rugby.com/111011-100-ans.html

Yeah Curry, be nice to dethrone the World Champs at Lansdowne. Did the same with England at Twickers.

Thomond wrote:Stag, I can see where Rodders is coming from. I saw a documentary the other day about Kurt Warner a legendary QB. As his career was winding down,he signed to the New York Giants as a backup. The Giants had a rookie at QB named Eli Manning. In one game Manning ended up throwing 4 interceptions whereby Warner was thrust into action. After the game Warner criticised the Coach of the Giants saying Eli would never develop if he didn't learn from his mistakes. Manning remained starter for that season and won the Superbowl 3 years later.


Different sports but is it a simlar scenario?

The difference being that Sexton has got over 20 caps in 2 years. He is 26 years of age with 2 HEC medals and plenty of international exposure. As far as Im concerned he was developed correctly went into the RWC as first choice before losing his place. Even if Sexton was still a kiddie is the RWC really a place to develop kids?

Great pic Chef. Must bring back memories pal. Is that you in the middle with the tache?

Priestland was a relative kid on arrving here. Murray had under 80 minutes for Ireland upon touching down in NZ,

Evening all, happy birthday ASM

One for the wall:
https://www.606v2.com/t15905-wasps-vs-bath#571804

amazing moustaches in that photo Mick!

Penwblwydd Hapus to ASM

I don't know what's wrong with me this week. I almost fell asleep in a confrence I had to go to yesterday (which was a bit bad because it was telling us all about the difference in pay that is coming into force over the next few months - twas something I really should have been paying attention to!)

And I was struggling to stay awake this afternoon too. Have decided to forgo my Welsh class this evening for an early night. I'll do my reading up here in the flat and make sure I e-mail my tutor with all my answers just so she knows I'm still doing my work

red_stag wrote:

Thomond wrote:Stag, I can see where Rodders is coming from. I saw a documentary the other day about Kurt Warner a legendary QB. As his career was winding down,he signed to the New York Giants as a backup. The Giants had a rookie at QB named Eli Manning. In one game Manning ended up throwing 4 interceptions whereby Warner was thrust into action. After the game Warner criticised the Coach of the Giants saying Eli would never develop if he didn't learn from his mistakes. Manning remained starter for that season and won the Superbowl 3 years later.


Different sports but is it a simlar scenario?

The difference being that Sexton has got over 20 caps in 2 years. He is 26 years of age with 2 HEC medals and plenty of international exposure. As far as Im concerned he was developed correctly went into the RWC as first choice before losing his place. Even if Sexton was still a kiddie is the RWC really a place to develop kids?

Obviously the best place. Wales have done ok. Their team is nothing like it was a year ago.

That's what I wanted from Kidney a while back ... entrust and nurture talented youth and let it fly. But NO! I was shot down. Ah well. Ye live and learn. And Deccie is learning.

I know Priestland is really inexperienced internationally, but the guy is 24 and has had a fair few seasons playing regular HEC rugby, plus he's been mentored by Stephen Jones, so whilst it was a big gamble chucking him in, it was a bit of a calculated one. So whilst how he's performed is impressive, it isn't perhaps as remarkable as the likes of North of Faletau. Or well, I don't think so anyway

Tongue in cheek, btw.

But, he must continue to change the guard in this 6-N. BOD, ROG, Darcy and DOC are prime candidates

Yes I think BOD such still be picked until a better 12 takes his place. (BOD such be moved there straight away)

He will

woo Smiler is targetting the match against Ulster on the 29th as his comeback:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/15263969.stm?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Whilst Phillips has done well for us at hooker, man have we missed him. Twill be great for the Scarlets to have him back so fingers crossed.

Faletau. Man, he's special. Only even heard his name for the 1st time last year. Look at him now.

Irish Curry wrote:Yes I think BOD such still be picked until a better 12 takes his place. (BOD such be moved there straight away)

I don't think we can wait for another 30 years Curry mate. That's how infrequent players like him come by.

He and Darcy will still have a role to play, but I think they should be told that they need to help bring in and mentor their replacements. Its going to happen at Leinster for sure. McFadden will not hang around too long

Gibbo apparently Sexton and Heaslip are considering moves to France. Toulouse and ASM are the clubs mentioned.

Gibson wrote:Tongue in cheek, btw.

But, he must continue to change the guard in this 6-N. BOD, ROG, Darcy and DOC are prime candidates

These can be done gradually.

ROG is semi gone anyway, and Sexton can take over as first choice 10 with ease.

McFadden should replace Darcy at 12 for the 6 Nations and that is it. Then in the summer, BOD should be rested with possible Spence given a run alongside a bedded in McFadden.

Anyone know when the Welsh team gets named? I'm starting to get really nervous about the match now and it's still only Tuesday. I dread to think what I'll be like by Saturday. Great news about Smiler as well.

Not sure Mrs Penfro, but if it's like any of our other matches, I would say the earliest it'll be named is Thursday. The wait is horrible.

On a different note did you see that Cav has joined Team Sky. That bodes well for the TdF next year.

Yeah I saw that about Cav. It's a bit of a gamble, guess Team Sky will put their yellow jersey aspirations aside to concentrate on Cav. THe likes of Renshaw etc at HTC did superbly in supporting him and bringing him through for the sprints so I guess taht's what Sky are going to do now as well, unless they're able to find a balance between the green and yellow jersey aspirations. That's one hell of an ask though for the TdF!

red_stag wrote:Gibbo apparently Sexton and Heaslip are considering moves to France. Toulouse and ASM are the clubs mentioned.

Going to France? So, they want to go out in the HC QF's/SF's every year?

Not for a couple of years Stag. Unless.. they break their contracts. That would make me sick.

But, if Leinster/Ireland don't pay em what they are worth when their contracts are up ... I couldn't blame them. May make them even better, more rounded, players.

I think it's building nicely for them. One thing I noticed this year was that Geraint Thomas was doing a lot of lead out work so I'm assuming he'll carry on doing that. A lot of teams have sprinters and GC contenders. I feel a bit sorry for Edvald Boassen Hagen though as he's been Sky's main sprinter and he might get overshadowed a bit by Cav unfortunately.

Ozzy3213 wrote:

Gibson wrote:Tongue in cheek, btw.

But, he must continue to change the guard in this 6-N. BOD, ROG, Darcy and DOC are prime candidates

These can be done gradually.

ROG is semi gone anyway, and Sexton can take over as first choice 10 with ease.

McFadden should replace Darcy at 12 for the 6 Nations and that is it. Then in the summer, BOD should be rested with possible Spence given a run alongside a bedded in McFadden.

Good plan. Yes they cant do it overnight - but in a season.

P.S. Who IS Spence? NO more token players!

Apparently both are looking at 2 years in France and coming back to Ireland while still in their 20s

ah true Mrs Penfro I'd forgotten about Edvard. He's had just such a brilliant season. Still, he's very young, guess he could learn a lot from Cav (or I hope so anyway)

With regards to Sexton and Heaslip going to France for a couple of years; I actually think that could be a really good experience for them. Play a different style of rugby, become more rounded, experience a new environment - all sounds good to me.

Good aft MrsPenfro, Dreamer.

How is our man in NZ? He must be having the time of his Life. I'm so happy for him, its turned out like this. What a trip!

Does Penfro have tickets for the SF and Final?

hello hello Gibbo how are ya?

Evening'all. Kurt Warner was a real rags to riches story in the NFL. Stacking shelves during the nightshift to Superbowl MVP in 2 years.
After the fall out of the wkends rugby some threads and posts have been quite amusing tbh. England fans disappointed but with all the negative press, glad its over, debates in the future of the squad and RFU then ready to move on. Our Irish cousins tho.......... some rather deep soul searching and in depth analysis going on! Hey....at least your clubs are getting their top player back.

Oh ths was suicide. Just eaten a chinese takeaway. . . gyn is 20 minutes

Ah I'm grand Dreamer. Besides starving for two days and having a camera up me orse today. Fine.

Very pleasurable experience.

I haven't been in a hospital, for my self - in my life. Ah it comes to ya in yer 30's.

Hello Gibbo,

Yes he does have tickets to all 3 matches. I haven't spoken to him since Saturday (!) so I'm assuming that he's enjoying himself.....

Hope you're o.k.