The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Wed 14 Dec 2011, 10:14 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 wedding pictures of Dan Carter and Honor Dillon above the bar! And if anyone tells the Australian Womens' Weekly that KiwiRedDevil's Mum smuggled a camera into the service* there'll be hell to pay - they paid a fair amount for the exclusive Wink

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

Ale

Old Pub: https://www.606v2.com/t19779-the-dew-drop-inn-virtual-rugby-pub#757023

* Note to any lawyer-y types, that's a joke and is completely and utterly false, Mum forgot to put the camera in her handbag

by **Pal Joey** Thu 15 Dec 2011, 11:03 am

Aye dreamer... that bloke was so fit. He had legs like a rugby player.

He was also full of intriguing facts such as the 'Coral Road' which is built about 1 km inland from the reef and completely encircles the mountains in the centre. He claimed it was built at the same time as Westminster Abbey... in the 11th century? When we went along it there were chooks and bands of wild piglets darting across in between the bushes on either side of the road.
It certainly did have an early medieval feel to it. laughing

by Hound_of_Harrow Thu 15 Dec 2011, 11:09 am

Stag - nothing wrong with tapping into those 'sensibilities'. Some people may not know what's going on on the field, but they sure as hell feel part of it.

Munster fostered the 'us against the world' mentality to wrap the whole Province around the team. Whether you know rugby or not, it must be great having a sense of 'belonging' to something.

I'm not saying other teams don't get that too, but Munster is where it is strongest.

by red_stag Thu 15 Dec 2011, 11:17 am

Again agree in full I think its great.

by Rava Thu 15 Dec 2011, 11:20 am

Not sure if this was discussed earlier in the week but it's relevant to what we were talking about this morning.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/16167359.stm

For those watching in black and white: -

Cardiff Blues coach Gareth Baber believes the team could move back to the Arms Park from Cardiff City Stadium in a bid to boost crowd numbers.

In 2009 the Blues moved to Cardiff City Football Club's new home as tenants.

But they have struggled to generate an atmosphere and had a crowd of only 6,102 for their 25-8 Heineken Cup win over Edinburgh last weekend.

Baber said: "That [moving back to the Arms Park] is probably in the offing somewhere."

In May 2008 the Blues signed a deal to play all their home games at the stadium for the following 20 years.

In the first two seasons of their existence at Cardiff City Stadium, the Blues crowds averaged 10,000-11,000.

But amid on-going worries over attendances at Wales' rugby regions, Baber believes there is a possibility that they could return to the Arms Park in the shadow of the Millennium Stadium.

Baber said: "People are always looking at ways you can regenerate that sort of energy in a crowd and that enthusiasm.

Gareth Baber is Cardiff Blues joint coach
"For us as a team and a squad we are at the stadium. That's where we are going to be and we are going to crack on with it.

"What probably is affecting crowd numbers is perhaps that we have had a World Cup, people have watched a lot of rugby and we have a downturn in the economy.

"It's tough for people, it's coming up to Christmas. It becomes tough to spend money on tickets as well, and it's [the game] on TV.

"You want a full stadium, everyone baying for blood.

"It would be nice to have that full stadium but at the moment that's outside of my control. We can only control what we do as a group."

But on the possibility of moving back to the Arms Park, a spkesman for the region said: "the region has a long term lease to play at Cardiff City Stadium, and are quite happy there."

Cardiff RFC have continued to play at the city-centre Arms Park in the Welsh Premiership since the Blues moved two miles to the edge-of-town development at Leckwith.

Cardiff City moved across the road from Ninian Park to the new stadium and have continued to enjoy solid support at their new home.

Elsewhere in Welsh rugby, Swansea City have stronger match-day backing than their Liberty Stadium co-inhabitors the Ospreys.

The Scarlets have also had difficulty filling Parc y Scarlets since moving there from Stradey Park.

Newport Gwent Dragons have remained at their traditional rugby home of Rodney Parade and have begun to redevelop the site.

by Guest Thu 15 Dec 2011, 11:24 am

There's also this interview with Beck of the ospreys, taken from the Beeb:

Centre Ashley Beck says a big crowd can lift the Ospreys in their Heineken Cup clash against Saracens on Friday night.

The Welsh region were beaten 31-26 by Saracens in front of over 41,000 at Wembley Stadium.

The defeat leaves the region third in Pool Five and Beck, who scored two tries, wants an instant response in the retuirn match at the Liberty Stadium.

"Hopefully next week the fans will turn up for us and it will be a different story," said Beck.

"When the crowds turn up it's a big factor. Saracens had a lot of support and they were shouting all the time for them.

"You come up to the English clubs and they've always got a lot of support and they're all behind them.

"It should be nice to run out to a lot of Ospreys fans shouting."

The Ospreys will be defending a proud home record against the English Premiership side at the Liberty Stadium on Friday, having not lost in 17 games.

But their home form is in marked contrast to their away record in the competition with their last win on the road against Viadana two years ago.

And although they secured a bonus point at Wembley, Beck believes the Ospreys paid the price for a slow start.

"It's disappointing to lose when you're so close at the end," said Beck.

"I think they came out a bit stronger than us in the first half. We struggled to start the game.

"It's disappointing but we've got the same team again next week. At least we're going home with something this week which is a positive.

"Hopefully next week it will be the other way round."

Beck says he has made the most of his opportunities with the Ospreys this season and is determined to secure a regular spot in the side.

The 21-year-old has started eight games for the region this season and has featured in all three Heineken Cup games.

"Since the start of the season it's been good being able to play all of the time," he added.

"It's better than last season when you were in and out.

"It's good to be involved all the time and it's just about taking my chances and getting on with it."

By only issue would be with all the complaining about the crowd sizes, it might offend those that do actually bother to go and watch, and perhaps make them feel unappreciated.

by Hound_of_Harrow Thu 15 Dec 2011, 11:35 am

Just went under that part of the M5 where that horrific fire happened 5-6 weeks ago Sad

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 15 Dec 2011, 11:43 am

Right next to Taunton rugby club, Hound Dog

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Thu 15 Dec 2011, 11:47 am

Linebreaker wrote:Kiwi, are you happy with the Hansen appointment?

Lovely place Lincoln... my cuz-bro lived out near West Melton (near the epicentre of the first quake). Beautiful country. I used to do the Weedons Rd thru there on the way to Akaroa.

Rarotonga is a great place to lose it all... but I think Zac must have set new records with his boozing.

He should have done the cross-island trek with the old legend guy... forgotten his name right now (he was 64 in '98... but when he asked us to guess his age, most people said ... ummmm, 42?) There's a bit like in the King Kong movie when you have to literally crawl up these amazing twisted monster tree roots inclined at 45 degrees. This guy did it backwards with his hands on his hips... a bit of a show off - but he'd done it thousands of times. We were all clinging on for our lives. The view from the top of the mountain towards the coast is something I'll never forget!

They have this ukelele music which seems to be blaring out everywhere though. It's fine at first but eventually it's like an Elvis movie on crack... it just gets faster and faster. They even have live bands playing it non-stop during breakfast complete with dancing girls in grass skirts. Makes you want to go out snorkelling straight away!

I have my doubts about Hansen as a head coach. But unless Deans or Gatland suddenly find themselves in the job market no-one currently coaching in NZ is ready to step up (as Wayne Smith doesn't want the job). Both Deans and Gatland have plenty of enemies in the NZRU, while Vern Cotter, John Kirwan and Joe Schmidt would all need to put in Super XV coaching stints to be seriously considered.

Pat Lam has underachieved with the Blues, ditto Ian Foster at the Chiefs (and Foster will probably get the backs coaching berth under Hansen). Blackadder and Joseph both need more time honing their craft, while Hammett is a dead man walking at the Hurricanes.

I haven't visited Rarotonga, more's the pity. One of my best friends from university is half-Raro, and he introduced us to the delights of Kava, and cooking in an Oumu* in the back-yard.

*basically a building a fire in a hole, filling it with stones to hold the heat, adding foil/banana-leaf-wrapped food and burying it for a few hours to cook. The Cook Islands version (Oumu) uses a shallower pit than the Maori version (hangi) due to the volcanic soil in Rarotonga - digging in volcanic rock is hard work

by Hound_of_Harrow Thu 15 Dec 2011, 11:47 am

And now we've just left Asbo Central. Nearly there, then back on the 3pm train.

Wasps v Bayonne on the box at The Thornbury Castle, Marylebone later.

Laters peeps. Have a good day thumbsup

by Hound_of_Harrow Thu 15 Dec 2011, 11:52 am

Aye As. Taunton RFC is where the railway runs under the M5. Mixed bag down here weather wise today, but it's been wazzing down here by the look of it.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 15 Dec 2011, 11:53 am

Hound_of_Harrow wrote:And now we've just left Asbo Central. Nearly there, then back on the 3pm train.

Wasps v Bayonne on the box at The Thornbury Castle, Marylebone later.

Laters peeps. Have a good day

Hound, ye'll be alright as long as you don't try to change at Westbury furious

by Hound_of_Harrow Thu 15 Dec 2011, 12:00 pm

Jebus, the Exe has burst its banks all over the place down here.

Westbury As? Who tried to change trains there?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 15 Dec 2011, 12:02 pm

We did on the way to Bath Spa, only to be told that we couldn't board the full train we wanted to get on despite having seats booked - bliwdy railways are going to the dogs mad

by prop_lyd Thu 15 Dec 2011, 12:04 pm

Westbury's a lovely train station....spent the most time ever there in a train station....wonderful toilets Wink

Afternoon all, got into the office after a 1-2-1 to discover no free computers so working from home Very Happy

also, my gran's going under the knife now so should be out by christmas Yahoo

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 15 Dec 2011, 12:08 pm

Not pleasant that she's going under the scalpel, but great news that she'll be out by Christmas, prop The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub - Page 2 3602195817

The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub - Page 2 3602195817

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 15 Dec 2011, 12:16 pm

So it's official: Luke Charteris is leaving the Dragons at the end of the season. Crying or Very sad

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/16035303.stm

by Glas a du Thu 15 Dec 2011, 12:54 pm

Just had a scarecut, feel 2 stones lighter.

Also it seems I had the last five tickets for the Scarlets-Ospreys match on Boxing day. I wanted seven Sad

The only time Stradey was sold out was when you had a big touring side or Swansea in thumbsup

However they used to 6-7k on Wednesday nights to watch the floodlight alliance, I.e. The A teams of the Welsh clubs playing each other.

Ah, the Tanner Bank Sad

by Guest Thu 15 Dec 2011, 12:59 pm

I miss it too Glas.

Where abouts you got the tickets for, terracing again? If so I shall probs see you there Smile

by PenfroPete Thu 15 Dec 2011, 1:15 pm

Hope this doesn't cause any drop in attendances - GUIDE Rolling Eyes

by Thomond Thu 15 Dec 2011, 1:16 pm

Pete, they can't really get any lower.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu 15 Dec 2011, 1:40 pm

Afternoon all,

Weekend is almost here and I am of to Butlins tomorrow for 3 nights on their winter wonderland weekend break. Kids will love it.

Some massive rugby on over the weekend that I will miss, so am trying to clear the Sky planner today to fit it all in!!!

by Glas a du Thu 15 Dec 2011, 1:42 pm

rugbydreamer wrote:I miss it too Glas.

Where abouts you got the tickets for, terracing again? If so I shall probs see you there

West Stand, behind the posts, ideal for a connoisseur of fine back play like myself Laugh

by Guest Thu 15 Dec 2011, 1:43 pm

Shall have to see if I can meet you pre/post match in the barn for drinks then Glas.

Pete - ah that sounds like it'll be a fab weekend, that's a lot of rugby you'll have to find room for though!

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 15 Dec 2011, 1:46 pm

Glas a du wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:I miss it too Glas.

Where abouts you got the tickets for, terracing again? If so I shall probs see you there

West Stand, behind the posts, ideal for a connoisseur of fine back play like myself

How will you apot all the dodgy refereeing decisions from there? Yikes

by Glas a du Thu 15 Dec 2011, 1:47 pm

Aye. I'll have my Budgie supporting parents with me though!

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 15 Dec 2011, 1:51 pm

Have you not disowned them yet? Yikes

by Glas a du Thu 15 Dec 2011, 1:54 pm

I might if they win, they will be insufferable. I however will be gracious in victory or defeat... Laugh

by Hound_of_Harrow Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:04 pm

Was that wirth it! Now on the train back to London - 2 hours in the office.

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by Glas a du Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:06 pm

Take it that's a no then!

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by Mickado Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:19 pm

btw folks, someone texted me from a UK number during the Bath match just saying something disparaging about Sean O'Brien.

Was that Asbo?

by Glas a du Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:22 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
Glas a du wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:I miss it too Glas.

Where abouts you got the tickets for, terracing again? If so I shall probs see you there

West Stand, behind the posts, ideal for a connoisseur of fine back play like myself
How will you apot all the dodgy refereeing decisions from there?

Offside, forward pass, knock ons will be tricky, but I have a god eye for skulduggery amongst the pack from any angle (being a former skulldugger myself, loike). I am also a firm believer that watching players get up after the ref whistles is a pretty good indication of the identity of the villains.

Talking of that, in our comeback chats on Saturday I realised I wouldn't be able to play nowadays as my whole modus operandi on a rugby field is now highly illegal. Rolling Eyes

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:22 pm

Mickado wrote:btw folks, someone texted me from a UK number during the Bath match just saying something disparaging about Sean O'Brien.

Was that Asbo?

Stag had bought himself a UK sim for the weekend Whistle

by Glas a du Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:23 pm

Infamy, infamy, they all have it infamy

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:28 pm

Kiwireddevil wrote:
Mickado wrote:btw folks, someone texted me from a UK number during the Bath match just saying something disparaging about Sean O'Brien.

Was that Asbo?

Stag had bought himself a UK sim for the weekend

The defence rests - not me if it didn't end in 062, MickyM

by prop_lyd Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:28 pm

Mickado wrote:btw folks, someone texted me from a UK number during the Bath match just saying something disparaging about Sean O'Brien.

Was that Asbo?

I think it was penfro

by MrsP Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:31 pm

Glas,

That could explain why you believe the Scarlets are angel

and ~~Munster~~ any Irish Province is devil

by Mickado Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:33 pm

I only assumed it was you because there was a Scottish word in there.

Penfro it is.

by PenfroPete Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:34 pm

Mickado wrote:btw folks, someone texted me from a UK number during the Bath match just saying something disparaging about Sean O'Brien.

Was that Asbo?

That wouldn't have read something like "Sean O'Brien is gash. FACT. END OF" would it Whistle

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:35 pm

Mickado wrote:I only assumed it was you because there was a Scottish word in there.

Penfro it is.

Nah, he's just a wanabee sweaty

by prop_lyd Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:38 pm

I should be a detective!!

by PenfroPete Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:40 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote: Nah, he's just a wanabee sweaty

Catch yerself on, yer wee bawbag, I'm just well-travelled, bro, init like thumbsup

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:42 pm

by Mickado Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:43 pm

PenfroPete wrote:
Mickado wrote:btw folks, someone texted me from a UK number during the Bath match just saying something disparaging about Sean O'Brien.

Was that Asbo?

That wouldn't have read something like "Sean O'Brien is gash. FACT. END OF" would it

Yeah, that's the one!

You got a swift reply to the tune of "European player of the year. SUCK IT!" Whistle

by Glas a du Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:52 pm

MrsP wrote:Glas,

That could explain why you believe the Scarlets are and ~~Munster~~ any Irish Province is

Yes, I see myself in them. I KNOW WHAT THEY ARE UP TO!

by Glas a du Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:53 pm

p.s. I make exceptions for Ulster now since I had my badge. It was too valuable for me to take to Parc Y Scarlets.

by Guest Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:54 pm

ha I remember those texts being exchanged!

by MrsP Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:58 pm

I meant the fact that you couldn't see "off sides, forward passes and knock ons".

The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub - Page 2 3602195817

Have you got Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Clause is coming to town" on your Christmas loop?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cFL8unTNf4&feature=related

by PenfroPete Thu 15 Dec 2011, 3:58 pm

Mickado wrote: You got a swift reply to the tune of "European player of the year. SUCK IT!"

I did indeed Mo Chara

by Adam D Thu 15 Dec 2011, 4:00 pm

Afternoon all.

Just went for an interview this morning, so you never know. As of next week I might not be bothering you as much!

Anyway - for the wall: https://www.606v2.com/t20250-rbs-6-nations-2012-who-wins

by Glas a du Thu 15 Dec 2011, 4:02 pm

MrsP wrote:I meant the fact that you couldn't see "off sides, forward passes and knock ons".

Have you got Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Clause is coming to town" on your Christmas loop?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cFL8unTNf4&feature=related

blast, my secret is out with NO NEED!

Yes. Funnily enough that is one of the ones that can survive a high degree of familiarity, unlike that is the Jackson 5 version of that song The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub - Page 2 1054138444

The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub - Page 2 1054138444

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