The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub, Mendoza

by **Pal Joey** Mon 13 Aug - 9:59

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 its way to Mendoza - the city at the foothills of the Andes and one of the venues for the inaugural Rugby Championship.

The only rule in this pub is one of mutual respect for everyone in it, oh and no tampering with the pictures of Rory McIlroy, Sam Cane, Juan José Imhoff, Eben Etzebeth, Jake Schatz and Rob McCusker.

guinness

Last Pub: https://www.606v2.com/t33388p1000-the-dew-drop-inn-virtual-games-of-the-xxx-olympiad-pub-stratford

by Hound_of_Harrow Fri 24 Aug - 19:27

Alright hoog. What an intetesting life Mr. Waddell must have had.

'Diff time tomorrow.
Yahoo

by Hound_of_Harrow Fri 24 Aug - 19:40

Glas a du wrote:
Gibson wrote:Hi Dreamer, you Hero.
Chiefs beat Glasgow? Id say he's happy. Wonder did he go?

Man, I'm so looking forward to planning all the HC games now - away to Scarlets, ASM and Chiefs. It all involves regs teams, its going to be a total blast. And the ones in Dublin.

So I'll be asking me mates Glas, Chef and As, for lodgings.

Bring it ON!

I heard about codgers like you...

Fixed that Glas.

by Hound_of_Harrow Fri 24 Aug - 19:56

Ok, still talking to myself. Munsty (and others) may be interested to read Ealing's Tom Wheatcroft relating his experiences on the England Counties' tour to Uganda.

http://www.ealingrugby.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2477:england-counties-tour-to-uganda-and-kenya-2012-tom-wheatcroft&catid=26:ealing-trailfinders-1st&Itemid=57

by Suspicious lurker Fri 24 Aug - 20:00

Evening hound,

Would love to head to the diff with Ye tomorrow, work doesn't allow it though Crying or Very sad

by Mrs Penfro Fri 24 Aug - 20:06

Heard you on the radio this morning Glas, how's things up in Lanark? Did you buy any more sheep?

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 24 Aug - 20:54

Evening all

London Irish just beat Munster 34-10 in Musgrave Park. Happy with that, roll on the season now.

by Hound_of_Harrow Fri 24 Aug - 20:54

He's probably not back yet Mrs Penfro. How are you keeping?

Looking forward to meeting your other half tomorrow.
thumbsup

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 24 Aug - 20:56

Ozzy3213 wrote:Evening all

London Irish just beat Munster 34-10 in Musgrave Park. Happy with that, roll on the season now.

Was it a good game Ozzy? Who scored?

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 24 Aug - 20:58

Not seen it Rory, was getting tweet updates. Tries for us from Ojo, Yarde and Shingler, and an 80th minute try for Munster when we were down to 14 after Lahiff was yellow carded I think for a scrum infringement is the best I can tell you.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 24 Aug - 21:00

Thanks Ozzy! Do you think there will be highlights released?

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 24 Aug - 21:02

Thomond reckons there could be some on the Munster website in the next few days.

by Thomond Fri 24 Aug - 21:09

They had highlights for the Bristol game also in Muzzer so would imagine so. It is a relatively strong side, without our Irish guys and one or two who were on duty with the As yesterday. Didn't get to it as I was at a removal and would only have got the 2nd half, and well Cork City were playing so they get first preference as it's pre-season and I have to look after my "business interests" Wink

I expect a similar bumpy startl ike Schmidt had with Leinster but probably going on for longer ,while we never played terrible rugby and could throw it about, it has never been Musnter's thing exclusively. A rocky road ahead.

You might be interested Rory that I asked your man about weight lifting regiments so fingers crossed he will answer it. Would be interesting to compare the 2 sports.

by Hound_of_Harrow Fri 24 Aug - 21:28

There's been some odd results in the friendlies for the Provinces. I am sure Leinster and Munster will mount a challenge in the HC as usual, but Ulster look in very good shape.

I would watch out for Sale this season. They probably won't win the Prem (as they stay within the salary cap Wink

), but could upset a few appke carts in the HC.

I think they have recruited well and their move to the new stadium will spur them too. Just a feeling I have.

by Thomond Fri 24 Aug - 21:39

Munster will start off badly I think but will get better, can get out of their HC group but will be a tight one, Leinster can win it. Sale seem to have put a decent side together although I don't follow the AP too much to be honest.

by Hound_of_Harrow Fri 24 Aug - 21:48

Thom, I expect Munster to qualify from their pool. They normally do.

I don't see English clubs featuring in the semi finals of the HC. We don't get the down time the Pro 12 guys enjoy.

by Thomond Fri 24 Aug - 21:50

Ooooh, slinging grenades their Hound.........

I thik I heard someone on here say that the playing time between the internationals was around even

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 24 Aug - 22:01

From the London Irish website...

London Irish finished off their pre-season preparations with a 34-10 victory over Munster at Musgrave Park this evening.
The Exiles outscored Munster by three tries to one in a victory that was based on a solid defensive effort.
It was a very even contest for the first 15 minutes. Irish showed resilient defence to repel any attacking opportunity Munster presented.

The hosts resorted to kicking the ball to the corner in the final third as there was no way through the Exiles defence.
The physicality from both sets of players was enormous, as you would expect one week out from the start of the Aviva Premiership.
Steven Shingler gave his side a well-deserved lead on 18 minutes with a sweetly struck penalty from 30 metres out.

Topsy Ojo crossed for the first try of the match and it was an absolute beauty. Irish held the ball at the back of the rolling maul before Tomás O’Leary, facing the province he represented for eight seasons, passed to Ofisa Treviranus and then got the ball back from the Samoan flanker and fed Steven Shingler, who went gliding through the defensive hole. Shingler passed to Joseph who then spun a wide pass to Homer who went sprinting up the right touch line. The full back drew the last two men and passed back inside to Ojo who dotted down under the posts. It was a move straight off the training paddock that worked to perfection. Shingler kicked the conversion to give the Exiles a 10-0 lead.

Irish were being clinical whenever they were presented with opportunities in the Munster half. Shingler converted his second penalty of the evening on 32 minutes to put day light between the two sides.

Munster were camped on the Irish line for the remainder of the half but were unable to come away with any points. The Irish front five were performing outstandingly at the set piece, not allowing the hosts to get any parity up front.

Ian Keatley kicked a long range penalty on the stroke of half time to put Munster on the board. At half time the score was Munster 3 London Irish 13.
Joe Ansbro sustained an injury within the first minute of the restart as play was delayed for 10 minutes. Irish started the better after the injury and edged further clear with another Shingler penalty on 44 minutes.

Irish were dominating the contest and moved further ahead with Shingler’s fourth penalty. Brian Smith’s side’s ball retention was fantastic, as was decision making in key areas of the field. Shingler was making the hosts pay with any indiscipline. His fifth penalty saw the Exiles stretch their lead to 22 points to 3.

Ferocious Irish defence was putting London Irish on the front foot. The hosts had no way of breaking through the Irish line and when the visitors forced another turnover Irish again capitalised.

Shingler made a half break and offloaded to Jon Fisher who went sprinting for the line. The number 8 was dragged down metres short, but quick ball meant the chance was not spurned and Shingler dived over in the corner to put the game out of Munster’s reach. The fly half added the conversion and the lead was now 29-3.

Irish defence was again at the heart of everything good in attack. With just over five minutes left Irish pilled numbers into the break down turned the ball over and Marland Yarde sprinted 70 metres to score in the corner.

Munster scored a consolation try just before the end but that that took nothing away from the Exiles.
It was a very impressive and timely performance by London Irish as they head into the start of the Aviva Premiership next Saturday against Saracens.

Score sequence (London Irish first): 3-0, 10-0, 13-0, 13-3, 16-3, 19-3, 22-3, 29-3, 34-3, 34-10
Scorers: London Irish: Tries: Ojo (23), Shingler (57), Yarde (74); Conversions: Shingler (2); Penalties: Shingler (18, 32, 44, 49, 52); Munster: Penalties: Ian Keatley (40); Tries: Henry (80); Conversions: Deasy

Munster team
15. Denis Hurley; 14. Doug Howlett (Captain); 13. Casey Laulala; 12. James Downey; 11. Johne Murphy; 10. Ian Keatley; 9. Duncan Williams; 1. Wian du Preez; 2. Damian Varley; 3. BJ Botha; 4. Billy Holland; 5. Dave Foley; 6. Dave O’Callaghan; 7. Sean Dougall; 8. James Coughlan
Replacements: 16. Marcus Horan; 17; Sean Henry; 18. Stephen Archer; 19. Phillip Donnellan; 20. Tommy O’Donnell; 21. Paddy Butler; 22. Peter Stringer; 23. Scott Deasy; 24. Sean Scanlon; 25. Luke O’Dea

London Irish team
15. Tom Homer; 14. Topsy Ojo; 13. Jonathan Joseph; 12. Joe Ansbro; 11. Sailosi Tagicakibau; 10. Steven Shingler; 9. Tomás O’Leary; 1. Max Lahiff; 2. Scott Lawson; 3. Leo Halavatau; 4. Bryn Evans (Captain); 5. George Skivington; 6. Jamie Gibson; 7. Ofisa Treviranus; 8. Jon Fisher
Replacements: 16. Shaun Malton; 17. Halani Aulika; 18. James Doherty; 19. Gerard Ellis; 20 Alex Gray; 21. Darren Allinson; 22. Conor Gaston; 23. Mike Ward; 24. Foster Horan; 25. Marland Yarde; 26. Kieran Low

Referee: David Wilkinson
Attendance: 7,000

http://london-irish.com/news/Irish85740.ink?newstype=N&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

by Hound_of_Harrow Fri 24 Aug - 22:02

Not at all Thom. Just dealing with reality.

That stuff has been addressed on numerous threads.

by Thomond Fri 24 Aug - 22:08

Hound, the difference between playing time of the internationals doesn't differ too much. Manu Tuilagi started 13 games for Leicester O'Gara also missed a chunk of the season and played 14. I think the internationals play simialr. The NIQ and NEQs would play most weeks for both, I don't think it's as big an issue in that regard.

Is the Jeff a tougher league? No question and it can hurt the lads with fatigue come HC time.

by Hound_of_Harrow Fri 24 Aug - 22:59

Thom - the HC is 'the competition' for many teams, and rightly so. For others avoiding relegation is their prime concern. Fielding weak teams is not an option for some.

I think it would raise the profile of the Pro 12 if qualification was earned more on merit. More games would matter.

I also think that ERC need to overhaul the rankings and place some emphasis on where a team finishes in their league (or play offs - each league has play offs now).

You could easily have Ospreys, Quins and Toulouse (current domestic champions) in the same pool as things stand. That's not right imo.

Anyway, I'm off to kip, ya Cork legend (my old man's home town btw). I've a trip to Cardiff tomorrow.
thumbsup

by Thomond Fri 24 Aug - 23:04

I suppose you are right, but are there many teams in the HC from the Jeff who will fight relegation? I think it is a problem and the cards are stacked in our favour (not too much on the player front though in my opinion) though, no denying that. It will have to change, 2 Irish teams would make for a more intense Rabo, a smaller comp would be intersting, 20 teams? Or maybe 16, and try a two legged system (not sure about that one off may work better)

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 24 Aug - 23:18

Thomond wrote:They had highlights for the Bristol game also in Muzzer so would imagine so. It is a relatively strong side, without our Irish guys and one or two who were on duty with the As yesterday. Didn't get to it as I was at a removal and would only have got the 2nd half, and well Cork City were playing so they get first preference as it's pre-season and I have to look after my "business interests"

I expect a similar bumpy startl ike Schmidt had with Leinster but probably going on for longer ,while we never played terrible rugby and could throw it about, it has never been Musnter's thing exclusively. A rocky road ahead.

You might be interested Rory that I asked your man about weight lifting regiments so fingers crossed he will answer it. Would be interesting to compare the 2 sports.

Yeah let me know what he says Thomond.

Have to say he does look like he is on the juice from that photo. Either that or very genetically gifted. I can't think of one rugby player that built.

by Thomond Fri 24 Aug - 23:20

Oh yeah, I would be certain he is on something I asked him something about PEDs but it might go unanswered.

His answer to that question

We workout mon thru fri as a team. I really like working on my legs and shoulders. Those are the two most valuable parts of the body for a professional running back in my opinion. There wasn't a huge difference from how I workout in the off season compared to in season training. We had some good strength trainers and they knew what they were doing.

He was over 300lbs on the bench press too.

by Rava Fri 24 Aug - 23:21

PenfroPete wrote:Jebus, I've blown up the the pub

That happened two days in a row Whistle

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 24 Aug - 23:27

Thomond wrote:Oh yeah, I would be certain he is on something I asked him something about PEDs but it might go unanswered.

His answer to that question

We workout mon thru fri as a team. I really like working on my legs and shoulders. Those are the two most valuable parts of the body for a professional running back in my opinion. There wasn't a huge difference from how I workout in the off season compared to in season training. We had some good strength trainers and they knew what they were doing.

He was over 300lbs on the bench press too.

Well that is interesting that he says there isn't a huge difference between off-season and on-season training. I wonder why they don't back off on the volume. Would a football game be every week Thomond?

In my mind, an athlete would be best improving their power/speed/strength in the off-season, then simply maintaining what they have gained when the season begins.

by Thomond Fri 24 Aug - 23:32

September to January 1st you play 16 games, 3 more if you get to the Super Bowl in first week of February. One bye week in the 16 games

I think they probably do a fair bit more in the offseason, some gain weight or lose weight (the Qb of his former team lost 20lbs this season), they would do a fair bit going into the season and training camp and all that. The fact that they can only have so many hours of padded practice and regualr practices which are short enough meant they probably have the time to put in the weight room really. It's an explosive sport I suppose so you need to remain in top shape.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Sat 25 Aug - 8:00

Morning all, hope that everyone is well? Just on the road trip on the way home from the outer Hebrides - a truly stunning part of the world, the most dramatic scenery, from perfect white beaches, turquoise clear sea, to large breakers, barren rock -strewn peat moors, towering cloud-covered mountains - just v spectacular. Stopped in Edinburgh last night to take the kids to the Royal Military Tattoo ( at least two words in there that risk causing offence in here?!) - its a great show and the kids loved the spectacle with all the pipes and drums and fireworks. Managed to catch the Glasgow vs Exe game the night before over in Ayr too - an error-ridden affair, Glasgow picking up a fair few injuries that will cause some worry as the season opens next weekend (Swinson and Ryder will denude the boiler room supplies a fair bit) mug

&

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Sat 25 Aug - 8:07

Read back and saw some Heino talk - as far as matches go, I think I'm hosting the following, but please correct me if that is not the case and add a name if I've inadvertently missed anyone:

* Clermont (October) - Mick Chef

&Joce, Kiwi Pete, Hoog(?)
* Scarlets (December) - the Penfros, Shovey, Glas (en famille?), Rev, Staggy (maybe)
* Leinster (January) - Hoog, Dinghus, Gib, Georgie&Michelle, a selection of Micks (tbc), Puma (?)

Unless I hear otherwise, I will get tickets to at least cover the above (and a couple of spare)

by Guest Sat 25 Aug - 8:14

Morning As. The OH sound lovely. I'm back at Ullapool in a month or so for the Loopallu music festival. One of my mates is playing in Stornoway today. I miss those trips to the islands (Shetland and Orkney too). Great days.

I'll firm up on the Scarlets game ASAP, As

NZ by 15-20 points I reckon today.

Last pre-season friendly today. Have a bit of niggle in my right shoulder, so we'll see if it is right in the first hit.

by Mrs Penfro Sat 25 Aug - 8:14

I can't believe that it's nearly rugby season again!! We haven't had a summer yet and winter's starting already Crying or Very sad

Talking of rugby I think Robbie Deans has been at the dye bottle, I'm sure his hair's not normally that dark is it?

by Guest Sat 25 Aug - 8:19

Haha. I'll be looking for that now Mrs Penfro.

Can't wait for Friday now. Have missed it so much, which is quite funny after the end to last season for the Dragons.

by Mrs Penfro Sat 25 Aug - 8:25

How come Nigel Owens always refs the All Blacks at home?

by MBTGOG Sat 25 Aug - 9:10

A Cooper Barnes axis is not going to work. The way Cooper plays, he needs his outside man to have the ability to truck the ball up. New Zealand know Barnes will always look to pass so they can send their two big centres crashing into whoever is outside Barnes.

by ChequeredJersey Sat 25 Aug - 14:46

Really good try in the Challenge Cup Final

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Sat 25 Aug - 15:02

Hound_of_Harrow wrote:Alright hoog. What an intetesting life Mr. Waddell must have had.

'Diff time tomorrow.

He was an interesting fellow, Hound Dog

, used to see him around the club (Glasgow Accies) as I played about the same time as his son, Andrew - his knee went out at the most extraordinary angle (as a result of the injury, I think) giving him an awful limp, but he always had an encouraging word for us youngsters

Just driven thru the Borders, Galashiels, Selkirk, Hawick & Langholm - its just amazing to think that these tiny populaces have produced so many great players (and commentators) and such a high % of Scottish internationals.

How goes it, CJ? You focusing on rugby or rowing this year, or will med studies keep you fully occupied?

by ChequeredJersey Sat 25 Aug - 15:08

I really have no idea. Most of my training at the moment is marathon training so I'll decide after that's out of the way I think

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Sat 25 Aug - 15:09

Not the greatest of pre-seasons for either of the pro-district Scots sides - perhaps expectation was too high on the back of the opening of the purse strings and some reasonable new signings. I guess that with all the new players, teams will take time to gel, particularly when a handful of international players have not yet appeared for either side. Looking forward to my trip to Belfast, but think I might witness the Warriors taking a 20-point difference spanking

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Sat 25 Aug - 15:11

ChequeredJersey wrote:I really have no idea. Most of my training at the moment is marathon training so I'll decide after that's out of the way I think

Which one are you running? Have you thought about triathlon? Fair few of my friends have gone on to that after big runs

by **Notch** Sat 25 Aug - 15:32

Ulster were pretty rusty last night Asbo, poorer than in their two previous friendlies. We will need to be sharper than that.

Of course, that could be a good thing. The players know they'll need to up their games. There will be no complacency.

by Cari Sat 25 Aug - 15:37

Afternoon All mug

Have left Penfro, Hound and Hound's friend to the rugby at the Arms Park. Am at home watching the Challenge Cup Final. Nice to see some regs again, and there's a nice atmosphere in town due to the Speedway Grand Prix, 20/20 cricket and the big one - Cardiff v Ealing rugby going on in town. Very Happy

Hope all's well with all in here thumbsup

by ChequeredJersey Sat 25 Aug - 15:38

Dublin, ASBO. I'd enjoy Triathlon but sprint swimming makes my calfs cramp up so I'm not sure I'd survive a race!

by ChequeredJersey Sat 25 Aug - 15:40

Christ, but the rain's here today!

by Cari Sat 25 Aug - 15:44

ooh big hit on Hodgson...looked nasty. Hope he's all right.

by Cari Sat 25 Aug - 18:57

Is there anybody there...? ghost

by Rava Sat 25 Aug - 19:07

Hi Cari. Hope you haven't totally ruined your notebook! Very Happy

Met and spoke to Brian McLaughlin and his family today in Coleraine. It has been said before I know, but what a nice man and what a lovely family.

by Cari Sat 25 Aug - 19:14

Howdydoodee Rava Very Happy

Nope, the notebook is absolutely fine. I've shown it off a bit in work too. I can tell folks are jealous Wink

It's nice when people like that are pleasant isn't it? Nothing worse than meeting someone well known and finding out they're an orse. Thankfully I've not come across anyone like that...yet.

Dog

says Cardiff won 17 - 15 this afternoon against Ealing. Apparently it was a good match to watch. I can't text him back cause I've no credit in me dog and bone.

by ChequeredJersey Sat 25 Aug - 19:16

'Let's get it started" by the Black-Eyed Peas- best power song for a run ever. 'sgot everything. Hello Cari, Rav

by Rava Sat 25 Aug - 19:18

I thought Hound and Hoog were discussing Sid Waddell the darts commentator who also sadly left us this week.
My bad.

by Cari Sat 25 Aug - 19:19

Oh CJ... TBEPs? Shocked

They're rubbish. And William, Will-i-am-a-tool or whatever he's called is the most annoying sleb around. He's even managed to ruin The Script's latest album by getting his crap on it.

by Rava Sat 25 Aug - 19:19

CJ. I'll have to take your word on the power running thing. For me those to words don't sit we'll together Very Happy

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