Team GB

by HERSH Fri 27 Jul 2012, 8:33 am

First topic message reminder :

Having watch Team GB bundle their way to a draw last night in the Olympic football a thought struck me, wouldn’t it be great to have a Team GB in the rugby union world, every four years we could form a team and take on the worlds bests SH teams in a test match series.

What do you guys think?

by Thomond Fri 27 Jul 2012, 12:47 pm

Same reason rugby isn't in until 2016. It was only voted in a few years ago to be in for 2016.

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Fri 27 Jul 2012, 12:47 pm

ChequeredJersey wrote:Hey, according to this article I'm reading on Golf at the 2016 Olympics, the top 15 players get in regardless of Nationality, then after that each country is only allowed 2 representatives. How does that work? Seems ludicrously unfair given that the entire field will end up being American

Currently only half the top XV is American -
Luke Donald Eng
Tiger Woods USA
Rory McIlroy Nir
Lee Westwood Eng
Webb Simpson USA
Adam Scott Aus
Bubba Watson USA
Jason Dufner USA
Matt Kuchar USA
Justin Rose Eng
Graeme McDowell Nir
Zach Johnson USA
Hunter Mahan USA
Steve Stricker USA
Ernie Els Saf

It's all about the TV rights, "stars" = viewers = $$. That's why there are 3 over 23s allowed in the Olympic soccer squads too.

Edit, Thomond beat me to it.

by ChequeredJersey Fri 27 Jul 2012, 12:47 pm

They'd rather have synchronised swimming. Ditto for rugby

by ChequeredJersey Fri 27 Jul 2012, 12:49 pm

Kiwireddevil wrote:
ChequeredJersey wrote:Hey, according to this article I'm reading on Golf at the 2016 Olympics, the top 15 players get in regardless of Nationality, then after that each country is only allowed 2 representatives. How does that work? Seems ludicrously unfair given that the entire field will end up being American

Currently only half the top XV is American -
Luke Donald Eng
Tiger Woods USA
Rory McIlroy Nir
Lee Westwood Eng
Webb Simpson USA
Adam Scott Aus
Bubba Watson USA
Jason Dufner USA
Matt Kuchar USA
Justin Rose Eng
Graeme McDowell Nir
Zach Johnson USA
Hunter Mahan USA
Steve Stricker USA
Ernie Els Saf

It's all about the TV rights, "stars" = viewers = $$. That's why there are 3 over 23s allowed in the Olympic soccer squads too.

Edit, Thomond beat me to it.

It was hyperbole, but 8 Americans vs max of 3 from anywhere else shows this is not an appropriate entry criterion. America are very likely to win a gold in an event where they literally are allowed twice as many players as anywhere else

by LeinsterFan4life Fri 27 Jul 2012, 12:53 pm

ChequeredJersey wrote:
Kiwireddevil wrote:
ChequeredJersey wrote:Hey, according to this article I'm reading on Golf at the 2016 Olympics, the top 15 players get in regardless of Nationality, then after that each country is only allowed 2 representatives. How does that work? Seems ludicrously unfair given that the entire field will end up being American

Currently only half the top XV is American -
Luke Donald Eng
Tiger Woods USA
Rory McIlroy Nir
Lee Westwood Eng
Webb Simpson USA
Adam Scott Aus
Bubba Watson USA
Jason Dufner USA
Matt Kuchar USA
Justin Rose Eng
Graeme McDowell Nir
Zach Johnson USA
Hunter Mahan USA
Steve Stricker USA
Ernie Els Saf

It's all about the TV rights, "stars" = viewers = $$. That's why there are 3 over 23s allowed in the Olympic soccer squads too.

Edit, Thomond beat me to it.

It was hyperbole, but 8 Americans vs max of 3 from anywhere else shows this is not an appropriate entry criterion. America are very likely to win a gold in an event where they literally are allowed twice as many players as anywhere else

It depends on the format if its a matchplay type thing then european players would be in with a great shout for gold. But if its stroke play, it suits the americans

by **rodders** Fri 27 Jul 2012, 12:55 pm

Thomond wrote:8 Americans in the top 15 as of now I think. 10 in the top 20, will be a bit unreal. I suppose most countries with serious hopes of winning it have guys in the top 50/100. Ireland with Harrington and one of McDowell, McIlroy,Clarke and maybe Lowry (GMAC and Rory could be in the top 15 by then but long way away).

Why would it be Harrington and A.N. Other if GMAC and McIlroy are higher ranked?

by Thomond Fri 27 Jul 2012, 12:58 pm

GMAC and Rory might declare for GB? As of now those 2 are qualified to play and we get an additional two on top of that or that's how I read it.

by ChequeredJersey Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:00 pm

Pretty sure it's Strokeplay, exactly the same as any Major but with tie-breakers across all the medal spots

by **rodders** Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:01 pm

Thomond wrote:GMAC and Rory might declare for GB? As of now those 2 are qualified to play and we get an additional two on top of that or that's how I read it.

They haven't declared anything as of yet, I'm just interested in why you make Harrington the automatic pick?

by Thomond Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:05 pm

If Rory and Gmac are still in the top 15 they are already qualified. We get two more guys. As of now there doesn't seem to be many guys breaking down the door in Irish golf that I'm aware of so Harrington gets it as he is currently playing well and I think gien his achievements he seems to warrant it. The likes of Maybin, Hoey, and a few other guys will have come into consideration by 2016 and Harrington may be out of it completely so it could end up beign a moot point.

by **rodders** Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:07 pm

Thomond fair enough, I maybe misinterperated what you meant. Here have a guinness

.

by sugarNspikes Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:09 pm

Completely disagree with having golf in the Olympics. Mind you, I disagree with many of the so-called 'events' on there!

by Thomond Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:09 pm

Think you may have. At the moment the two Macs are in so we get two more fellas. Paudie has big game temperment and performing solidly so that's kind of why he gets in.

by Thomond Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:09 pm

sugarNspikes wrote:Completely disagree with having gold in the Olympics. Mind you, I disagree with many of the so-called 'events' on there!

I don't think silver's an adequate prize Wink

by sugarNspikes Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:10 pm

Thomond wrote:
sugarNspikes wrote:Completely disagree with having gold in the Olympics. Mind you, I disagree with many of the so-called 'events' on there!

I don't think silver's an adequate prize

Doh, I amended it, but you got in too quick. Laugh

Silver for all!

by LeinsterFan4life Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:12 pm

Thomond wrote:Think you may have. At the moment the two Macs are in so we get two more fellas. Paudie has big game temperment and performing solidly so that's kind of why he gets in.

Id have harrington no matter where he is in the rankings. He has done so much for irish golf and was voted our best ever sportsman. The man is a legend.

by TrailApe Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:14 pm

Why isnt golf in this olympics? .

BECAUSE IT'S NOT A SPORT - same reason they don't have darts and snooker.

Run

by sugarNspikes Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:17 pm

If we're going to put 'pastimes' like golf in the Olympics then I want shove ha'penny and cribbage in there too.

by Smirnoffpriest Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:19 pm

How about bog snorkeling?

by ChequeredJersey Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:21 pm

Bridge in before Cribbage, surely?

by sugarNspikes Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:26 pm

ChequeredJersey wrote:Bridge in before Cribbage, surely?

Ok. Bridge then Cribbage, followed by Crazy Golf, Tiger Woods Golf and (if there's still a spare place) Golf.

by Mickado Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:32 pm

Some of the sports that are in there are rediculous though, softball was an event up until recently. The Greeks built a massive baseball/softball stadium which has been lying fallow ever since, and we wonder why they went bankrupt...

by anotherworldofpain Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:34 pm

Kiwireddevil wrote:
anotherworldofpain wrote:There is a difference between UK and GB? Can someone explaining this whole situation to me. I don't get it at all.

The UK is "the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" - Britain is the island encompassing England, Scotland and Wales. I think they added the "Great" part to differentiate themselves from Little Britain (Brittany)

So when Scotland get independent, what will it be then?

by **rodders** Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:35 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
Thomond wrote:Think you may have. At the moment the two Macs are in so we get two more fellas. Paudie has big game temperment and performing solidly so that's kind of why he gets in.
Id have harrington no matter where he is in the rankings. He has done so much for irish golf and was voted our best ever sportsman. The man is a legend.

I don't dispute that but I'd have thought golfing ability would be the only criteria not reputation or sentiment.

By that logic you would pick ROG ahead of Sexton for Ireland?

by Coleman Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:40 pm

I'd be really keen to get Tug of War back in. Actually a fantastic thing to watch and take part in.

by ChequeredJersey Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:41 pm

anotherworldofpain wrote:
Kiwireddevil wrote:
anotherworldofpain wrote:There is a difference between UK and GB? Can someone explaining this whole situation to me. I don't get it at all.

The UK is "the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" - Britain is the island encompassing England, Scotland and Wales. I think they added the "Great" part to differentiate themselves from Little Britain (Brittany)

So when Scotland get independent, what will it be then?

Still part of Great Britain, not part of the UK

by Coleman Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:45 pm

Geographically, Great Britain is the major island in the archipelago that are the British Isle. Which is why I’ve never understood why we can’t have the British Lions. Just the Irish being picky.

by **Notch** Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:46 pm

Chjw131 wrote:All these people/media jumping on the Andy Murray 'British' bandwagon made me feel rather sad. It smacked of desperation. I was shouting 'Come on Tim' in the final but no one seemed to take any notice. As per usual....

Hmmm... so witty Wink

Serious note. The great thing about the Lions is unlike Team GB in the Olympics or whatever there won't be any split IF* Scotland votes for independence. The Lions isn't about nationality, thats why it's special. It's the essence of rugby and flags and anthems don't come into it. We'll still be having the British and Irish and Scottish Lions Tours. Just have to have a think about that name eh? It's becoming more and more of a mouthful Smile

(Obviously thats an incredibly big if right there.)

by Coleman Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:48 pm

Even worse when Cornwall gains independence.

by **Notch** Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:49 pm

Mickado wrote:Some of the sports that are in there are rediculous though, softball was an event up until recently. The Greeks built a massive baseball/softball stadium which has been lying fallow ever since, and we wonder why they went bankrupt...

Indeed. Boris Johnson made some off-hand semi-joking patriotic remark the other night that 'Team GB' would win enough Gold, Silver and Bronze this Olympics to bail out Greece and Spain (the modesty and tact of the man never ceases to amaze).

I couldn't help but think he should be careful what he wishes for given the hammering the British government are getting over the economy right now. Might want to hold onto those medals BJ!

by Dim Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:50 pm

Out of interest why is the Olympic team team GB not team UK? Particularly if NI athletes can represent it? Or am I missing something?

by HERSH Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:51 pm

Hmmm!

by LeinsterFan4life Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:51 pm

Coleman wrote:Geographically, Great Britain is the major island in the archipelago that are the British Isle. Which is why I’ve never understood why we can’t have the British Lions. Just the Irish being picky.

by beshocked Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:53 pm

TrailApe wrote:
Why isnt golf in this olympics? .

BECAUSE IT'S NOT A SPORT - same reason they don't have darts and snooker.

Well said.

by OzT Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:53 pm

Dim wrote:Out of interest why is the Olympic team team GB not team UK? Particularly if NI athletes can represent it? Or am I missing something?

Isn't it because GB is a geographical term whereas UK is a political term?? I am very probably positively wrong in this though

by Thomond Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:55 pm

We spent 800 years trying to get the British out of our country, I don't want to be called British!

by Geordie Fri 27 Jul 2012, 1:57 pm

Lets have British Bulldog in....though the Indians with their Kabadi would be a tough challenger...

by **Notch** Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:02 pm

Dim wrote:Out of interest why is the Olympic team team GB not team UK? Particularly if NI athletes can represent it? Or am I missing something?

Ah no, that wouldn't be good at all. You see we don't really matter. We're just the afterthought thats too politically sensitive to cut loose. An unwanted remnant of the British Empire that keeps coming back to haunt them- like an illegitimate ginger stepchild from a previous marriage that disrupts their familial harmony by turning up unannounced and crashing on the couch.

Until one of our guys wins a medal that is Smile

G'wan Wendy Houvenaghl.

by LeinsterFan4life Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:07 pm

Notch wrote:
Dim wrote:Out of interest why is the Olympic team team GB not team UK? Particularly if NI athletes can represent it? Or am I missing something?

Ah no, that wouldn't be good at all. You see we don't really matter. We're just the afterthought thats too politically sensitive to cut loose. An unwanted remnant of the British Empire that keeps coming back to haunt them- like an illegitimate ginger stepchild from a previous marriage that disrupts their familial harmony by turning up unannounced and crashing on the couch.

Until one of our guys wins a medal that is

G'wan Wendy Houvenaghl.

Sky sports love NI now because of rory and gmac.

by andyi Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:13 pm

Thomond wrote:GMAC and Rory might declare for GB? As of now those 2 are qualified to play and we get an additional two on top of that or that's how I read it.

NO,

The proposal is for a field of around 60.
The top 15 get in regardless of country and they go down the rankings including any players from countries who don't already have at least 2 players in. Details here:
http://golf.about.com/od/tourmajorevents/a/sampleolympicfields.htm

The current world rankings are:
http://www.officialworldgolfranking.com/rankings/default.sps

So the Teams could be for example:
If McIroy and McDowell declare for GB&NI then it would be:
GB&NI: Donald, McIlroy* Westwood, Rose, McDowell*
Ire: Harrington, Clarke* (Hoey*) (Lowry)
If Clarke doesn't declare for Ire it would Hoey
If Hoey doesn't declare for Ire it would Lowry

If McIroy and McDowell declare for Ireland then it would be:
GB&NI: Donald, Westwood, Rose
Ire: McIlroy, McDowell

Its a bit complicated Shocked

by gregortree Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:15 pm

Wiki:
"The British Isles are a group of islands off the northwest coast of continental Europe that include the islands of Great Britain, Ireland and over six thousand smaller isles.[8] There are two sovereign states located on the islands: Ireland (sometimes called the Republic of Ireland)[9] and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (commonly known as the United Kingdom). "
So could call our touring rugby boys the 'British Isles Lions'

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:20 pm

gregortree wrote:Wiki:
"The British Isles are a group of islands off the northwest coast of continental Europe that include the islands of Great Britain, Ireland and over six thousand smaller isles.[8] There are two sovereign states located on the islands: Ireland (sometimes called the Republic of Ireland)[9] and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (commonly known as the United Kingdom). "
So could call our touring rugby boys the 'British Isles Lions'

I understand the Irish don't use the term "British Isles" either gregortree - similarly the French don't use the term "English Channel" (they call it "la Manche" - "the Sleeve").

Another body of water changes its name from the "Arabian Gulf" to the "Persian Gulf" depending on which side of it you're on Wink

by anotherworldofpain Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:21 pm

Like only the GB commentators still say "South Sea Isles" ! Whereas people in the Pacific Islands find this very racist, imperalist and insulting.

by Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:22 pm

In the same way they snubbed Beckham for the Olympic team I quite like the idea of Henson being trotted around as "definitely not a publicity stunt" and then left out the squad.

by Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:22 pm

anotherworldofpain wrote:Like only the GB commentators still say "South Sea Isles" !

Yeah Banahan gets upset about that

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:24 pm

anotherworldofpain wrote:Like only the GB commentators still say "South Sea Isles" ! Whereas people in the Pacific Islands find this very racist, imperalist and insulting.

Though it does point to a solution to the "British Isles" conundrum. We could call them the "North Sea Islands". Or the "Northeast Atlantic Archipelago" if you're feeling pedantic.

by LeinsterFan4life Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:25 pm

Kiwireddevil wrote:
gregortree wrote:Wiki:
"The British Isles are a group of islands off the northwest coast of continental Europe that include the islands of Great Britain, Ireland and over six thousand smaller isles.[8] There are two sovereign states located on the islands: Ireland (sometimes called the Republic of Ireland)[9] and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (commonly known as the United Kingdom). "
So could call our touring rugby boys the 'British Isles Lions'

I understand the Irish don't use the term "British Isles" either gregortree - similarly the French don't use the term "English Channel" (they call it "la Manche" - "the Sleeve").

Ye your right we dont use that term as you would expect.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:26 pm

Kiwireddevil wrote:
anotherworldofpain wrote:Like only the GB commentators still say "South Sea Isles" ! Whereas people in the Pacific Islands find this very racist, imperalist and insulting.

Though it does point to a solution to the "British Isles" conundrum. We could call them the "North Sea Islands". Or the "Northwest Atlantic Archipelego" if you're feeling pedantic.

Because we brought the word British Isles over when we brought you lot civilisation (wich I could spell) so there boxing

by anotherworldofpain Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:28 pm

North East Atlantic surely?

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Fri 27 Jul 2012, 2:32 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Kiwireddevil wrote:
anotherworldofpain wrote:Like only the GB commentators still say "South Sea Isles" ! Whereas people in the Pacific Islands find this very racist, imperalist and insulting.

Though it does point to a solution to the "British Isles" conundrum. We could call them the "North Sea Islands". Or the "Northwest Atlantic Archipelego" if you're feeling pedantic.

Because we brought the word British Isles over when we brought you lot civilisation (wich I could spell) so there

I've now fixed my spelling and geographical brain fades. Fridayitis Sad

(it is Friday, right? Yikes

)

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