The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub, Belfast

by Guest Wed 18 Apr - 9:44

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 pub has ventured to Belfast, as Red Stag is still struggling to come to terms with Munsters QF loss to Ulster Wink

The only rule in this pub is one of mutual respect for everyone in it, oh and no defacing the pictures of Brian McLaughlin, John Hart, Duncan Bell, Michael Lynagh, Mick O'Driscoll, Deiniol Jones and Shane Williams.

Get well "Noddy" Lynagh - our thoughts are with you. Hug

Old Pub: https://www.606v2.com/t27620-the-dew-drop-inn-virtual-beach-leileifiafiafale-samoa

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Sat 21 Apr - 21:49

Evening all, Quins vs Tigers was a great game of rugby for the neutral.

Mrs P, sadly I don't have a Press Pass for the HEC final. Web publications are a long ways down the priority list.

by MrsP Sat 21 Apr - 21:49

Does anyone else get the feeling that Mr and Mrs Dreamer are about to hear a lot more about Rolland than we did?

Whistle

Frustrating game indeed!

And yeah Stag, it was Faloon although somene else, ? Wallace?, was just moving across I think and so the "numbering up" was out for a second. Least that's how I saw it.

by MrsP Sat 21 Apr - 21:52

Kiwi,

I think it was Puma who was asking about the ticket for the final.#

We can't go.

Rolling Eyes

And Rava!

I think I remember my Dad talking about Norman Whiteside.

Whistle

Did he get injured or just fizzle (no pun intended) out!

by Glas a du Sat 21 Apr - 21:52

It doesn't matter what interpretation the ref uses, Munster are above interpretation. Their system is excellent. Their centres are the key. The backrow cover one half, the centres the other. It's very defensive and frustrating, but it works and they make no apology for it.

To beat Munster, you have to kick well. Behind their back three, get in their faces. Disrupt their rolling maul. Don't run anything but the best ball at them. If you can break their line, keep the ball alive, putting boot to it if you have to. Move them out of their comfort zone by putting ball behind them, not just running into them. And the key? Pressurise their outside half.

by Rava Sat 21 Apr - 21:54

Glas a du wrote:Dreamer, we can not expect to beat Munster going off halfcock. Our second half was good, our first was awful. Priestland had a mare and Nigel cocked up the front row substitutions.

BUT it's only a game. There's always the next game and the next season. It happens. The inescapable fact is that we need to develop a street wise element to our game. Our forwards are athletes, we need more dog. I've been saying it for ten years, I doubt they are going to do anything about it now. If we shore up our front five we can put the pressure on instead of soaking it up.

I know you're not going to like this but Roblin, Biggar or Sweeny would have been better for us tonight.

rugbydreamer wrote:Glas, no offence intended but that post was a tinsy bit patronising.

I.agree with it (apart from.the last bit )

Going to.phone my Mam and dad so I can have a proper rant

Dreamer what Glas says is so true. Every season is the same. Your frustration is borne out of knowing what a talented side you have and (as Gibbo says) the sheshy rugby you are capable of. But when it come to shooting yourselves in the foot! you are among the Rugby greats.

Not what you want to hear I know but when they get round to realising this and doing something about it then watch out Rabo!!

by Thomond Sat 21 Apr - 21:54

Munster's defense is indeed superb, we do ruck illegally at times but I find it odd how people complain about Munster sealing off when for the large part the type of sealing off Munster use is legal. Scarlets shoot themselves in the foot, why go for the try when the drop goal is there and you have two outhalfs in your team?

by **Biltong** Sat 21 Apr - 21:55

Thomond wrote:I think people make too much of the referee. In general, the best side wins, the two were even tonight and it showed in the result.

Thomond, if I had the inclination or the energy I would find you plenty of matches where teams are evenly matched and a 50/50 call caused the result.

by Rava Sat 21 Apr - 21:56

Mrs P it was injuries (and maybe a liking for the alcohol) that put paid to our Norm. Your da was a great judge of a footballer by the way Whistle

by red_stag Sat 21 Apr - 21:57

The thing about the referee is that there is basically an offence at every ruck. They are not all penalised. Its very easy to "prove" that your team was not treated fairly.

I have a sneaky suspicious that there were plenty of Scarlets fans who had their mind made up about Rolland before the game even kicked off. I know because we have similar in Munster with regards to Roman Poite. Before he even sets foot on the field the Munster faithful have decided he is a cheat. And its really easy to prove.

by **rodders** Sat 21 Apr - 21:57

Glas a du wrote:It doesn't matter what interpretation the ref uses, Munster are above interpretation.

Glas I think Leinster, not Munster are the kings of the breakdown under the current laws. They are phenomenal, only the All blacks are on par imo. Perfect ball presentation from the ball carrier too. Takes the referees interpretation out of the equation. It's almost unplayable.

by MrsP Sat 21 Apr - 21:57

Well, he did play a bit of semi-pro stuff way back in the day!

by Rava Sat 21 Apr - 21:58

biltongbek wrote:
Thomond wrote:I think people make too much of the referee. In general, the best side wins, the two were even tonight and it showed in the result.

Thomond, if I had the inclination or the energy I would find you plenty of matches where teams are evenly matched and a 50/50 call caused the result.

Does that make it a wrong call though??

by Gibson Sat 21 Apr - 21:58

MrsP wrote:Kiwi,

I think it was Puma who was asking about the ticket for the final.#

We can't go.

And Rava!

I think I remember my Dad talking about Norman Whiteside.

Did he get injured or just fizzle (no pun intended) out!

Norman Whiteside was yer much younger, wannabee lover - so he was. He was on your bedroom wall. Be honest girl. zen

Great player. Himself, McGrath and Robson loved their pints, could take a leg-breaking tackle and move on. Now? We have girlie robots, fixing their hair in mid-air - playing soccerball.

In my day...

Harrumph and sheet.

by Glas a du Sat 21 Apr - 21:59

Patronising? Moi? Now I know you're upset young lady, so I'll let it lie, this time. Here's 50p, don't spend it all at once, there's a good girl.

Now that's patronising! thumbsup

Stag - spot on. Harrumph! Even guilty of it myself (until Rava had a word)

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Sat 21 Apr - 22:00

MrsP wrote:Kiwi,

I think it was Puma who was asking about the ticket for the final.#

We can't go.

by Thomond Sat 21 Apr - 22:00

biltongbek wrote:
Thomond wrote:I think people make too much of the referee. In general, the best side wins, the two were even tonight and it showed in the result.

Thomond, if I had the inclination or the energy I would find you plenty of matches where teams are evenly matched and a 50/50 call caused the result.

Those calls even out. Win you some games lose you some. That's my take on it anyway. It has cost me some games too and teams I've coached and you do feel angry but injuries and ou own play hampered us

Also a team taking a walkover and refusing to play a day later, that one grates a little. But beating them today by a big.big margin helped a lot.

by Rava Sat 21 Apr - 22:00

Glas

. Love you man!!

by **Biltong** Sat 21 Apr - 22:02

Rava wrote:
biltongbek wrote:
Thomond wrote:I think people make too much of the referee. In general, the best side wins, the two were even tonight and it showed in the result.

Thomond, if I had the inclination or the energy I would find you plenty of matches where teams are evenly matched and a 50/50 call caused the result.

Does that make it a wrong call though??

Well let me put it this way, no supporter or team like to be on the recieving end of a call that isn't a clear offence. There is big money and big titles on the line.

Take Ferris in the Wales vs Ireland match, take SA in the 2010 Tri Nations match against Australian take a forward pass in 2007.

You decide.

by Gibson Sat 21 Apr - 22:05

Glas a du wrote:It doesn't matter what interpretation the ref uses, Munster are above interpretation. Their system is excellent. Their centres are the key. The backrow cover one half, the centres the other. It's very defensive and frustrating, but it works and they make no apology for it.

To beat Munster, you have to kick well. Behind their back three, get in their faces. Disrupt their rolling maul. Don't run anything but the best ball at them. If you can break their line, keep the ball alive, putting boot to it if you have to. Move them out of their comfort zone by putting ball behind them, not just running into them. And the key? Pressurise their outside half.

I'll make this simple and will say this only once. To beat Munster: You need to cheat and play the ref better than them. And have a team, who can actually play rugby far better than them.

Sorted in 2009. The rest - is History. guinness

by Guest Sat 21 Apr - 22:05

Rava, no offence, that was also patronising. I already know all that about the scarlets, tis why I'm so annoyed.

Aww my poor dad, arsenal drew today too so he's doubly annoyed Sad

Glas -

by Thomond Sat 21 Apr - 22:06

Biltong, we were disappointed with the 1F thing but we didn't deserve to win that day so it was alright. As I have said I believe those calls even out.

Gibbo you cheeky Bar Steward! It's like the Roy Keane thing all over again. Sound man, even better player......

by Rava Sat 21 Apr - 22:07

Gibson wrote:
Glas a du wrote:It doesn't matter what interpretation the ref uses, Munster are above interpretation. Their system is excellent. Their centres are the key. The backrow cover one half, the centres the other. It's very defensive and frustrating, but it works and they make no apology for it.

To beat Munster, you have to kick well. Behind their back three, get in their faces. Disrupt their rolling maul. Don't run anything but the best ball at them. If you can break their line, keep the ball alive, putting boot to it if you have to. Move them out of their comfort zone by putting ball behind them, not just running into them. And the key? Pressurise their outside half.

I'll make this simple and will say this only once. To beat Munster: You need to cheat and play the ref better than them. And have a team, who can actually play rugby far better than them.

Sorted in 2009. The rest - is History.

Easter Sunday 2012. Ulster did just that. guinness

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 21 Apr - 22:09

Norman Whiteside's goal against Everton in the 1985 FA Cup Final is one of my favourite goals of all time.

Evening all.

by Rava Sat 21 Apr - 22:11

Ozzy3213 wrote:Norman Whiteside's goal against Everton in the 1985 FA Cup Final is one of my favourite goals of all time.

Evening all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVbUoGm4lw0

Brilliant goal Ozzy!!

by **Notch** Sat 21 Apr - 22:11

biltongbek wrote:
Rava wrote:
biltongbek wrote:
Thomond wrote:I think people make too much of the referee. In general, the best side wins, the two were even tonight and it showed in the result.

Thomond, if I had the inclination or the energy I would find you plenty of matches where teams are evenly matched and a 50/50 call caused the result.

Does that make it a wrong call though??

Well let me put it this way, no supporter or team like to be on the recieving end of a call that isn't a clear offence. There is big money and big titles on the line.

Take Ferris in the Wales vs Ireland match, take SA in the 2010 Tri Nations match against Australiam take a forward pass in 2007.

You decide.

Obviously we don't like it, but it's part of the game. Bellyaching about it seems to be missing the point. You just have to take it on the chin until the time the wrong call goes in your favour- or you can make it go in your favour. I used to get upset about it, but now I shake my head when I hear an Ulster or Ireland fan bemoaning a wrong call. Might as well go to the Casino and chew out the dealer for giving you a bad hand. All part of the game.

by MrsP Sat 21 Apr - 22:12

Gibson wrote:
MrsP wrote:Kiwi,

I think it was Puma who was asking about the ticket for the final.#

We can't go.

And Rava!

I think I remember my Dad talking about Norman Whiteside.

Did he get injured or just fizzle (no pun intended) out!

Norman Whiteside was yer much younger, wannabee lover - so he was. He was on your bedroom wall. Be honest girl.

Great player. Himself, McGrath and Robson loved their pints, could take a leg-breaking tackle and move on. Now? We have girlie robots, fixing their hair in mid-air - playing soccerball.

In my day...

Harrumph and sheet.

?

Cheeky .......

by red_stag Sat 21 Apr - 22:13

To me people are bellyaching for the wrong reasons.

Complaining after every second defeat that the ref cost you it, achieves nothing.

Complaining about the structure of the laws could lead to IRB changes.

Its a professional game. The IRB will give the public what it wants if it makes rugby a more popular product.

by Glas a du Sat 21 Apr - 22:13

I for one am semi relieved we are not likely to have to go to the RDS. Our squad is decimated now and Wales will crock the fit ones out in Australia Rolling Eyes

by Glas a du Sat 21 Apr - 22:16

Spot on again Stag.

by Rava Sat 21 Apr - 22:17

red_stag wrote:To me people are bellyaching for the wrong reasons.

Complaining after every second defeat that the ref cost you it, achieves nothing.

Complaining about the structure of the laws could lead to IRB changes.

Its a professional game. The IRB will give the public what it wants if it makes rugby a more popular product.

Maybe I should publish your texts to me the other Sunday Whistle

by Guest Sat 21 Apr - 22:18

Hmmm, where to begin as I .start writing the match report Whistle

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 21 Apr - 22:19

Rava wrote:
Ozzy3213 wrote:Norman Whiteside's goal against Everton in the 1985 FA Cup Final is one of my favourite goals of all time.

Evening all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVbUoGm4lw0

Brilliant goal Ozzy!!

The thing with it was that when he picked the ball up out wide there looked very little danger. Great finish with the left peg. Was a big strong fella Whiteside, but very skillful with a fantastic first touch.

by red_stag Sat 21 Apr - 22:19

Glas a du wrote:Spot on again Stag.

Exactly. Anyone remember the horrible Calum Clark thuggery and the nonsense that Jeff Blackett took fabricated evidence as mitigating circumstances.

I know that me, MrsP, Dreamer, Asbo etc etc etc sent emails to the RFU about it.

Yesterday the RFU took steps to remove Blackett from his position and replace him with an independent person, with no ties to the RFU

by red_stag Sat 21 Apr - 22:20

Rava wrote:
red_stag wrote:To me people are bellyaching for the wrong reasons.

Complaining after every second defeat that the ref cost you it, achieves nothing.

Complaining about the structure of the laws could lead to IRB changes.

Its a professional game. The IRB will give the public what it wants if it makes rugby a more popular product.

Maybe I should publish your texts to me the other Sunday

I thought I made them clear. Munster fans feel that way about Poite and its easy to prove. I am a Munster fan.

by MrsP Sat 21 Apr - 22:21

Really?

I never got a reply from them. Did anyone else?

by Glas a du Sat 21 Apr - 22:21

He said it achieves nothing, not that he didn't do it. Very Happy

Dreamer, you know what to do thumbsup

nobody says you have to be neutral, just objective.

by MrsP Sat 21 Apr - 22:22

red_stag wrote:
Rava wrote:
red_stag wrote:To me people are bellyaching for the wrong reasons.

Complaining after every second defeat that the ref cost you it, achieves nothing.

Complaining about the structure of the laws could lead to IRB changes.

Its a professional game. The IRB will give the public what it wants if it makes rugby a more popular product.

Maybe I should publish your texts to me the other Sunday

I thought I made them clear. Munster fans feel that way about Poite and its easy to prove. I am a Munster fan.

by Glas a du Sat 21 Apr - 22:23

I object to short half French mortgage brokers.

Just saying.

by Guest Sat 21 Apr - 22:26

Gibson wrote:The noise at that game, was the loudest Ive heard this season. You put the other regions to shame.

Played 65 minutes today. Won 32-29. Fell apart a lot in the second half. Nearly lost while I was off. I'll be honest, I was still very rough from last night. I probably won't play hungover again. Still the league is in our hands if we get teams to play us. It's a farce that a team that have lost 4 games can win the league (they've played 20, we've played 15 and won 15), but a lot of teams won't play us.

by Thomond Sat 21 Apr - 22:27

Why won't teams play you? Do you not just get a walkover?

by red_stag Sat 21 Apr - 22:31

Rev, come on tour with us!!! Your guaranteed a match!!

by Gibson Sat 21 Apr - 22:31

It may sound trite. But. What is happening in Bahrain right now is righteous. Corporation rich basterds flaunting their rich stuff, in a country in turmoil. I would. Id hold the petrol-bomb.

Basterds.

by red_stag Sat 21 Apr - 22:34

Gibbo, what exactly is happening there? Haven't been reading news much last few days.

However given that there is talk of petrol bombs it sounds serious. If your condoning killing people who have a bit of cash you take it outside the pub now. Not the place for it.

by Guest Sat 21 Apr - 22:35

Because most if not all teams will lose to us. Yeah there should be walkovers really.

Stag, I'm not going to play too much now. I am fed up of the niggles and that. My face is in tatters again from just 3/4 of a match.

by red_stag Sat 21 Apr - 22:36

At times I really miss playing rugby. Part of me would love to hang up the whistle and play for some rubbish local team.

by Thomond Sat 21 Apr - 22:36

Can teams just seriously refuse to play the game and not get sanctioned? That is possibly the most insane thing I have heard. No wonder a lot of people complain about the WRU!

by **Notch** Sat 21 Apr - 22:37

I'd be very angry too if I was in their situation Stag. People will only be pushed around for so long. I agree let's not condone violence, but let's not universally condemn people whose government think human rights only apply to the very richest.

by Glas a du Sat 21 Apr - 22:38

Formula 1 is going to Bahrain for a race whilst the regime there oppresses its people in a brutal and un democratic manner. Not on dear boy. F1 in its greed has given the common man a platform. I'm all for a bit of civil disobedience in the circumstances.

by red_stag Sat 21 Apr - 22:38

Notch, I know nothing about the situation. I just saw that some "barsteward" deserved to get petrol bombed or something to that effect.

by red_stag Sat 21 Apr - 22:39

Fair enough lads. Thanks for the info Glas

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