The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub, Oxford

by Guest Wed 04 Jul 2012, 6:20 pm

First topic message reminder :

Hello and 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 made it's way to Oxford - the new location for newly promoted London Welsh.

The only rule in this pub is one of mutual respect for everyone in it, oh and no tampering with the montage of pictures of Lyn Jones above the bar.

Ale

Old Pub: https://www.606v2.com/t31486-the-dew-drop-inn-virtual-rugby-pub-beal-feirste

by brennomac Mon 09 Jul 2012, 4:40 pm

Time trial over - Wiggins now 1'53" ahead of Evans and 2'07" ahead of Froome. Not as good as it should have been for Wiggins since he was over a minute ahead of Evans after only 16k of the 41k. Should have been looking at a 3' lead given his early pace.

Set fair for the mountains now - interesting to see how long before Evans makes his first attack

by Gibson Mon 09 Jul 2012, 4:43 pm

red_stag wrote:Im not sure thats it Gibbo.

Think of Clermont v Leinster this year. That semi final match. THAT semi final match.

Think of the feeling at the full time whistle.

Have you ever ever ever had that with Ireland. Even winning the Slam?

Yes. I near passed out for both. Winning the HC in 2009 also. Went mental.

Must post that vid on FB. Its embarrasing, but real. Felt the same way when ROG dropped that goal at Cardiff in 2009.

I really dont need to separate them. Different moments. Same incredible buzz.

by Gibson Mon 09 Jul 2012, 4:45 pm

brennomac wrote:Time trial over - Wiggins now 1'53" ahead of Evans and 2'07" ahead of Froome. Not as good as it should have been for Wiggins since he was over a minute ahead of Evans after only 16k of the 41k. Should have been looking at a 3' lead given his early pace.

Set fair for the mountains now - interesting to see how long before Evans makes his first attack

Meanwhile... back at Le Tour... Very Happy

Love it Brenno. The Clogs go mad for it. Its all they talk about every Summer. Its HUGE here. Always has been.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 09 Jul 2012, 4:46 pm

Notch wrote:rodders

Honestly past giving a feic about Ireland over here. The national team has been run really, really badly for a long time. No other country in Europe has as much co-operation from their clubs/regions as the IRFU does. No-one has more access to players than we do in our system.

Now any suggestion we make on here is a supporters pipe dream. There's only a few people in the IRFU that count, who have the power to change things. So I have to look at the people running that system who have every advantage over their competitors and still manage to make us the least prepared team in the 6N at times and think... I don't have any faith that they can make changes to how the provinces operate and make the national team more successful as a result.

I believe they can make the provinces less successful. I believe that. I don't believe any changes they make will make the national team more successful. Because they don't have a track record of success.

So my attitude is less about not caring about the national team, more about cutting our losses. To use a metaphor I'll be happy if the cancer doesn't spread from one limb to the others.

Now Notch, you yapped at me not so long ago when I asked if you are still interested in Irish rugby. Whistle

by red_stag Mon 09 Jul 2012, 4:50 pm

Gibson wrote:
red_stag wrote:Im not sure thats it Gibbo.

Think of Clermont v Leinster this year. That semi final match. THAT semi final match.

Think of the feeling at the full time whistle.

Have you ever ever ever had that with Ireland. Even winning the Slam?

Yes. I near passed out for both. Winning the HC in 2009 also. Went mental.

Must post that vid on FB. Its embarrasing, but real. Felt the same way when ROG dropped that goal at Cardiff in 2009.

I really dont need to separate them. Different moments. Same incredible buzz.

Fair play bud.

Personally there are some Munster moments that Ireland have never ever come close to rivaling.

by Thomond Mon 09 Jul 2012, 4:51 pm

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=22967799&topic_id=&c_id=mlb&v=3&tcid=tw_video_22967799

Now I'm no fan of baseball but that is a very cool shot.

by **rodders** Mon 09 Jul 2012, 4:51 pm

Stag I raise you....

01 Paddy McCallistair
02 that new bloke
03 Declan Fitzpatrick
04 Lewis Stephenson
05 Dan Tuohy
06 Stephen Ferris
07 Chris Henry
08 Robbie Diack Smile

09 Paul Marshall
10 Paddy Jackson
11 Craig Gilroy
12 Nevin Spence
13 Darren Cave
14 Tommy Bowe
15 Adam D'arcy

by Guest Mon 09 Jul 2012, 4:55 pm

Wiggins is ace, super cycling from him toay.

And I'm really chuffed for Giggs and Greene being team GB Captains Smile

by Thomond Mon 09 Jul 2012, 4:56 pm

I think Giggs' selection is somehwat senitmental, it was between him an Becks for that selection and well Giggs still probably offers more.

by **rodders** Mon 09 Jul 2012, 4:57 pm

Notch wrote:rodders

Honestly past giving a feic about Ireland over here.

Keep the pecker up Notch, there's tough times ahead no doubt. The IRFU, like the Irish goverment during the Celtic tiger have sat and naval gaised...ignored the impending crisis, built an empire on sand.

It will take time to to rebuild but stay positive, we can get back to the top in 2 generations.

Have one of those Build-a-burgers at the botanic, that will cheer you up

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 09 Jul 2012, 4:59 pm

rodders wrote:Stag I raise you....

01 Paddy McCallistair
02 that new bloke
03 Declan Fitzpatrick
04 Lewis Stephenson
05 Dan Tuohy
06 Stephen Ferris
07 Chris Henry
08 Robbie Diack
09 Paul Marshall
10 Paddy Jackson
11 Craig Gilroy
12 Nevin Spence
13 Darren Cave
14 Tommy Bowe
15 Adam D'arcy

Add to that Annett, Macklin, Hendy, Birch, Nelson, Farrell, Marshall, Cochrane.. I am pretty happy with the young players available. Smile

by red_stag Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:03 pm

rodders wrote:Stag I raise you....

01 Paddy McCallistair
02 that new bloke
03 Declan Fitzpatrick
04 Lewis Stephenson
05 Dan Tuohy
06 Stephen Ferris
07 Chris Henry
08 Robbie Diack
09 Paul Marshall
10 Paddy Jackson
11 Craig Gilroy
12 Nevin Spence
13 Darren Cave
14 Tommy Bowe
15 Adam D'arcy

Oooh not bad at all. What would the bench be like.

I'll try do one for Leinster:

01 Cian Healy
02 Sean Cronin
03 Jamie Hagan
04 Tom Denton
05 Devin Toner
06 Kevin McLaughlin
07 Sean O'Brien
08 Jamie Heaslip
09 Luke McGrath
10 Jonathan Sexton
11 Luke Fitzgerald
12 Ian Madigan
13 Eoin O'Malley
14 Fergus McFadden
15 Rob Kearney

16 Aaron Dundon
17 Jack McGrath
18 Mark Flanagan
19 Dominic Ryan
20 John Cooney
21 Brendan Macken
22 Dave Kearney

Next question - how would these teams do in the Rabo and in Europe.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:04 pm

Gibson wrote:

Naw, Gobbo suits me to a tee.

And, I know you and T are on the wind. I mean. Sheesh lads.

I just didnt want to hurt your feelings, ya know. So

I think we will see another HC staying in Dublin. The only team good enough to take it off us - is in our pool. Come and get it Les suckers!

Aye well, furry muff, it might as well be us then Chief

by Thomond Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:06 pm

Leinster could reach at least the HC quarter finals I'd say. Munster , rabo semis at best maybe get into the Amlin semis. Ulster probably the same as Munster.

by **rodders** Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:08 pm

Throw 2 Grandslams and a 2019 RWC win into the bargain and it doesn't seem like such a raw deal does it Thomond?

There we go then, no more NIQs, no more over 30s!.... Very Happy

.....

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:09 pm

But the one thing you notice is each of those teams have a weakness (Leinster at second row, Ulster at halfback, Munster in the front row, Munster centres if Hanrahan isn't considered) that other provinces are strong at (Leinster in the front row/half back/centres, Munster at half back/second row, Ulster at front row/second row/centres).

by **rodders** Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:12 pm

Thats exactly why we need to change Rory. we've been exposed badly over the past 2 seasons and the problems are worsening.

The provinces aren't exposed to the same degree because they are bolstering these weaknesses..... and there's no doubt about it...the standard is lower at provincial level.

by prop_lyd Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:13 pm

Here's a Glos one:
1. Wood
2. Dawiduk/Britton
3. Harden
4. Brown
5. Savage
6. Buxton
7. Hazell
8. Morgan
9. Robson
10. Burns
11. JSD
12. Mills
13. Trinder
14. Sharples
15. May/Morgan

Pretty happy with that!! Would rather an eq 2nd row to move Savage to the back row!! Backs look so dangerous with Ian Clarke and Steph Reynolds coming through!!

by Thomond Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:13 pm

If we're going to gdown the German national team route (one I think is the way to go) we need full co-operation of all the provinces like the DFB (German FA) have with their Bundesliga teams.

by prop_lyd Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:14 pm

Oh and....Gav's back Yahoo

by **rodders** Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:15 pm

No we don't, the IRFU own the provinces. They just need the cahones to face a public backlash...... from Munster.... Whistle

....

by Gibson Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:16 pm

Christ lads, we are picking young provincial teams now. Its going to be a long Summer...

by red_stag Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:17 pm

Gibson wrote:Christ lads, we are picking young provincial teams now. Its going to be a long Summer...

Not at all Gibbo.

1 month to Munsters first match.

by **rodders** Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:17 pm

Youth and IQ is the future Gibbo!

Laters guinness

.....

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:19 pm

rodders wrote:Thats exactly why we need to change Rory. we've been exposed badly over the past 2 seasons and the problems are worsening.

The provinces aren't exposed to the same degree because they are bolstering these weaknesses..... and there's no doubt about it...the standard is lower at provincial level.

The standard of opposition is lower, that is the difference. Ie, Wales are way better than their regions (excluding the Ospreys who are very good) and we don't play SH teams. We don't play teams who play with the same intensity and speed as some of those guys. However, the game doesn't magically speed up at international level like some people suggest.

by Thomond Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:20 pm

Gibson wrote:Christ lads, we are picking young provincial teams now. Its going to be a long Summer...

That's what the LOI, GAA and (for anyone who watches it) baseball are for Olympics in 3 weeks too. We have at least won medal in the bag!

by red_stag Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:22 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:However, the game doesn't magically speed up at international level like some people suggest.

Having spoken to some of the international referees they have maintained the game is much faster and only on rare occasions like the knockouts of Europe would the Rabo or Premiership etc come close to the pace and intensity.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:29 pm

red_stag wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:However, the game doesn't magically speed up at international level like some people suggest.

Having spoken to some of the international referees they have maintained the game is much faster and only on rare occasions like the knockouts of Europe would the Rabo or Premiership etc come close to the pace and intensity.

I think that completely depends on the game though and the teams playing. In the HEC there aren't many teams that play with the same intensity or speed, but again that is to do with the opposition. I have heard Muller say the most physical games are against the Pacific Islands, because that is how they play. The games against Australia/New Zealand/France/Wales are the quickest and you can't afford to make mistakes or they will punish you. But there is still Ireland, Scotland and England etc who play rather slow paced rugby, without that intensity. We can all admit that Leinster are currently better than Ireland and play a much faster paced game than Ireland. This isn't because they are allowed to do so at that level, they just play a totally different game to what Ireland play.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:31 pm

If I am wrong about this, I would like to know how players are suddenly quicker and stronger when they wear the colours of their countries. Is this another case of players showing more passion for their country than their club or what? Either we are talking about mentality here, or the style of certain teams. The S15 is much faster paced than any NH competition..

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:41 pm

Afternoon all, the new French Jersey is out, and Adidas have gone back to "proper" French-Navy blue (the dark blue was Nike's idea)

Spoiler:

Though it looks like they have opted to copy the white collar from the AB's shirt Whistle

by **Notch** Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:43 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Now Notch, you yapped at me not so long ago when I asked if you are still interested in Irish rugby.

You know what? That is 100% fair and I had it coming.

thumbsup

Congratulations, btw, on the new job. I was lurking here when you came out with the news but I couldn't get a chance to post and then the moment passed. But you deserve a hearty slap on the back and good luck to you.

by Thomond Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:44 pm

Looks more like a soccer jersey, interesting though. Kiwi, the French jersey is made by Adidas though. The symbol is on the jersey!

by **Notch** Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:45 pm

rodders wrote:Have one of those Build-a-burgers at the botanic, that will cheer you up

We both know the power of misplaced optimism will be floating around when Ireland come to play their next match. Maybe I can even get a ticket for the Argentina game in the run-up... Whistle

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:46 pm

Thomond wrote:Looks more like a soccer jersey, interesting though. Kiwi, the French jersey is made by Adidas though. The symbol is on the jersey!

Fixed that, had a wee brain fade on the first attempt at a post Whistle

by **Notch** Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:48 pm

Stag, Gibbo; one month to the pre-season friendlies...

Here's the ultimate off-season rugby debate; http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/rank-most-punchable-current-rugby-players/

Aussies are a 'brave' lot eh? Wouldn't throw a punch at Bismarck Du Plessis (15) myself Whistle

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:49 pm

Notch wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:Now Notch, you yapped at me not so long ago when I asked if you are still interested in Irish rugby.

You know what? That is 100% fair and I had it coming.

Congratulations, btw, on the new job. I was lurking here when you came out with the news but I couldn't get a chance to post and then the moment passed. But you deserve a hearty slap on the back and good luck to you.

It was tongue in cheek mate, I wasn't being serious. Smile

Thanks very much! Appreciate it big time. thumbsup

by Thomond Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:50 pm

Not suprisign to see ROG that high, thought Sexton would make it!

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:51 pm

Why is Du Plessis and Steyn there? I understand every other player but those two. Whistle

by **Notch** Mon 09 Jul 2012, 5:52 pm

Thomond wrote:Not suprisign to see ROG that high, thought Sexton would make it!

Send Sin E a link? Whistle

(Sorry Sin)

by Cari Mon 09 Jul 2012, 6:13 pm

Evening All coffee

Had a fab day in work today, and I bumped into James Dean Bradfield this evening when I got off the bus. Haven't seen him about in town for years....felt like 1999... Very Happy

by **Notch** Mon 09 Jul 2012, 6:14 pm

Evening Cari. Glad to hear you had a nice day cuppa

by Cari Mon 09 Jul 2012, 6:18 pm

Hiya Notch thumbsup

It was bonza. Am in three days, then in for overtime Saturday then off for three days. I enjoyed the Saturday working. Good craic, and I need the extra munjee to fund my trip to your corner of the world Smile

by Rava Mon 09 Jul 2012, 6:22 pm

On the punchables, I see no reason to disagree with the current 1 & 2 Whistle

by Guest Mon 09 Jul 2012, 6:22 pm

Thomond wrote:I think Giggs' selection is somehwat senitmental, it was between him an Becks for that selection and well Giggs still probably offers more.

That it was a pretty easy decision myself. One is the most decorated premiership player of all time and still playing at a v high level. The other has buggered off to America, easy choice for me Wink

by Thomond Mon 09 Jul 2012, 6:27 pm

Very High? Arguable but yeah he certainly deserves to be there ahead of Becks, although I think Beckham deserves a lot of praise for his massive role in getting the Olympics in London. I will add though that I think he was incredibly overrated....

by Cari Mon 09 Jul 2012, 6:28 pm

Gibson wrote:

They need the support from their fans, now, more than ever. They have improved the ground and facilities. Now the fans have to fill that stadium, get behind them and help them to stand on their own 30 feet....so promote your club at every given chance. NO downers or negativity. Encourage others to follow your lead.

You could apply that to the Cardiff Blues...in fact, a few sides in the Pro12...

Anyway, my second team (do we have to have one?) is pretty obvious next season... Whistle

by Rava Mon 09 Jul 2012, 6:31 pm

I think if soccer is to be an Olympic Sport then it should be limited to young players who haven't previously played A full international.

As for the England and Wales team. I won't be supporting them Whistle

by Thomond Mon 09 Jul 2012, 6:32 pm

It's U-23 players with 3 overage Rav. Brazil are the favourites I would say they have a cracking squad.

by Rava Mon 09 Jul 2012, 6:34 pm

Cari wrote:
Anyway, my second team (do we have to have one?) is pretty obvious next season...

I hope we don't buckle under the extra weight of expectation Rolling Eyes

by Rava Mon 09 Jul 2012, 6:35 pm

Thomond wrote:It's U-23 players with 3 overage Rav. Brazil are the favourites I would say they have a cracking squad.

Quite aware of that T. I am disagreeing with it though.

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