The Rob Howley prediction game.
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glamorganalun
nobbled
Luckless Pedestrian
Glas a du
gavstar
bedfordwelsh
Pete C (Kiwireddevil)
majesticimperialman
Comfort
ScarletSpiderman
Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler
thebluesmancometh
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The v2 Forum :: Sport :: Rugby Union :: International
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What will Howleys focus be?
The Rob Howley prediction game.
We all know what we are facing next week, a bounce back from the French, a hostile crowd, a scrum that will target us and a fierce front row.
But what will be Howleys focus...
In recent games I watch his pre match interviews and just hold my head in my hands as he talks about the same old tired cliches, and gets dragged in to the media hype.
But what will be Howleys focus...
In recent games I watch his pre match interviews and just hold my head in my hands as he talks about the same old tired cliches, and gets dragged in to the media hype.
thebluesmancometh- Posts : 8358
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Need to start well?
Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler- Posts : 10344
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
I think Howley should focus on why the side is not performing. I personally believe it is the fact that Howley has allowed favouritism to cloud his judgement, and I think that he, himself, needs to get things sorted out mentally before he can dor the side out.
Maybe he should consider dropping Gethin, Smiler, Shingler (injured anyway?), Warburton, Foxy, and Cuthbert (or maybe North) and being in James, Owens/Hibbard, R Jones, Tipuric, Beck/Sc Williams, Walker/Li Williams. I think the lads (in the second list) will all be chomping at the bit, and keen to prove they deserve their starts, and if the other boys are on the bench they will all be keen on coming on and proving they deserve to get their shirts back.
Maybe he should consider dropping Gethin, Smiler, Shingler (injured anyway?), Warburton, Foxy, and Cuthbert (or maybe North) and being in James, Owens/Hibbard, R Jones, Tipuric, Beck/Sc Williams, Walker/Li Williams. I think the lads (in the second list) will all be chomping at the bit, and keen to prove they deserve their starts, and if the other boys are on the bench they will all be keen on coming on and proving they deserve to get their shirts back.
ScarletSpiderman- Posts : 9944
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
PSW
Bang on mate, I'll add that now.
Bang on mate, I'll add that now.
thebluesmancometh- Posts : 8358
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
I went with "the mercurial nature of the French" purely because its something I can see slipping out of his pea-shaped head.
Comfort- Posts : 2072
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Location : Cardiff
Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
I think the only on Howelys mind is the Lions cannot come soon enough.
Why because he is only tempory in charge Of Wales.
I read some where today that Howely says that Wales will bounce back.
I agree with him to some extent, but the question is when?
Will Wales bounce back with the same players that started on Saturday?
Or will Wales only bounce back with changing some of the player that PLAYED on Saturday?
Why because he is only tempory in charge Of Wales.
I read some where today that Howely says that Wales will bounce back.
I agree with him to some extent, but the question is when?
Will Wales bounce back with the same players that started on Saturday?
Or will Wales only bounce back with changing some of the player that PLAYED on Saturday?
Last edited by majesticimperialman on Tue 05 Feb 2013, 7:52 pm; edited 1 time in total
majesticimperialman- Posts : 6170
Join date : 2011-02-11
Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
thebluesmancometh wrote:PSW
Bang on mate, I'll add that now.
I've added that for you Bluesman (sorry, poll editing is one of those things that ordinary users can't do - though at least it stops people from setting up dopey polls then swapping or changing the options like a handful of numpties used to do on the BBC)
Pete C (Kiwireddevil)- Posts : 10925
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
There one focus he will have thats not on there and thats trying to find another way to again deflect the pressure on to someone or something else and away from his shambles of a performance
bedfordwelsh- Moderator
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
bet he says ' you never know what french team will turn up'
and 'look ,you know , its small margins '
and 'look ,you know , its small margins '
gavstar- Posts : 584
Join date : 2011-08-15
Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
gavstar wrote:bet he says ' you never know what french team will turn up'
and 'look ,you know , its small margins '
Gav,
It wouldn't matter if we did know, he knew knew what IReland team was turning up and couldn't pick a team to suit then.
bedfordwelsh- Moderator
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
gavstar wrote:bet he says ' you never know what french team will turn up'
and 'look ,you know , its small margins '
Beware a backlash from the French...
Glas a du- Posts : 15843
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
im more scared of howleys selection than a french backlash to be honest, because we have the players to weather that, AND win, but they'll probably be sat on the bench until 50/60 minutes again...
Comfort- Posts : 2072
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
I've heard a lot about this backlash from the French, but the fact that they lost their opening game could work in Wales's favour. If - and it's a big if, as they say - we can start really well, and early try or two, get a lead and stop them playing for the first 20 minutes, then the home crowd could well turn on them. I've seen it happen before.
Luckless Pedestrian- Posts : 24898
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
LP, i genuinely share the same hope as you, however, its up to Howley to select a team capable of doing this........
Comfort- Posts : 2072
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Wales can beat anyone on their day...
nobbled- Posts : 1196
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Unlike Morgan Waldrom has a reputation for being extremely fit despite the excess chins. Its agility and acceleration he struggles with.
Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler- Posts : 10344
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:Unlike Morgan Waldrom has a reputation for being extremely fit despite the excess chins. Its agility and acceleration he struggles with.
Problem is he is he may be fit, but he is not exactly anything other than a lump!
ScarletSpiderman- Posts : 9944
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I've heard a lot about this backlash from the French, but the fact that they lost their opening game could work in Wales's favour. If - and it's a big if, as they say - we can start really well, and early try or two, get a lead and stop them playing for the first 20 minutes, then the home crowd could well turn on them. I've seen it happen before.
Very true - France have a very vocal and fickle crowd - they can get on the backs of their players if they aren't happy making it easier for visitors who start strongly.
This will mean Wales have to actually play in the first half though...
nobbled- Posts : 1196
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
nobbled wrote:Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I've heard a lot about this backlash from the French, but the fact that they lost their opening game could work in Wales's favour. If - and it's a big if, as they say - we can start really well, and early try or two, get a lead and stop them playing for the first 20 minutes, then the home crowd could well turn on them. I've seen it happen before.
Very true - France have a very vocal and fickle crowd - they can get on the backs of their players if they aren't happy making it easier for visitors who start strongly.
This will mean Wales have to actually play in the first half though...
WE seem to be able to pick ourselves up to play against big teams, so hoepfully this can be the game we do it in. That said if we lose then that will be us having England visiting and hoping we can win to avoid a whitewash.
ScarletSpiderman- Posts : 9944
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
I put down the lions tour because the way he is going he won't be going (with luck).
glamorganalun- Posts : 3292
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
glamorganalun wrote:I put down the lions tour because the way he is going he won't be going (with luck).
Maybe Gats will lend him his ladder so Howley can have a decent excuse for not going?
ScarletSpiderman- Posts : 9944
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
After this 6n and the Lions tour, I wonder what the state of Welsh international rugby will be when Gat's and Howley's return. It's all building up nicely for a re-run of the Henry saga.
Ospreydragon- Posts : 528
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Ospreydragon wrote:After this 6n and the Lions tour, I wonder what the state of Welsh international rugby will be when Gat's and Howley's return. It's all building up nicely for a re-run of the Henry saga.
Which was predicted when Gatland was first mentioned for the job. In fairness the WRU have handled it differently. Instead of risking 'burn out' like Henry had, they have basically given Gats a year off, which seems to be a bit of a booboo on their part.
ScarletSpiderman- Posts : 9944
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
I think its clear Howley isn't a Media man so why doesn't someone else take over from him and let him concentrate on the rugby.
He looks more haggard every time I see him + I'd love to see Edwards and McBryde talk to the media more.
He looks more haggard every time I see him + I'd love to see Edwards and McBryde talk to the media more.
Brian Moores Twin- Posts : 45
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Why don't someone just take over from him full stop!!!!!!!!!!!
bedfordwelsh- Moderator
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
bedfordwelsh wrote:Why don't someone just take over from him full stop!!!!!!!!!!!
Apart from the overuse of exclamation marks this is spot on.
Glas a du- Posts : 15843
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Glas,
You can never over use an !!!!!!!!!
You can never over use an !!!!!!!!!
bedfordwelsh- Moderator
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Eh!!!???!????!?????!!!!!!!????!!???!!
Glas a du- Posts : 15843
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Why does Howley just FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFade away. He is the weakest link goodbye and don't come back and take Mc Bryde with you. Interesting in the Western Mail, J Roberts says the players are 100% behind Howley, he/they would say that as Howley keep picking him/them, what about the players that should be playing over the last few years like Hook, R Jones, Byrne, Peel, Henson.
glamorganalun- Posts : 3292
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
glamorganalun wrote: Henson.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111
Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler- Posts : 10344
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Henson hasn't been playing or been good enough over the last few years.
Byrne has been off form and was one of the ones who was being picked on rep.
R Jones likewise was picked for to long on rep, he hasn't for sometime been our best 6, 8 or 2nd row but admit has been in great form.
Hook, if as good as people say he is would have cemented his own place in the side.
Peel, ok give you that one should be in squad
Byrne has been off form and was one of the ones who was being picked on rep.
R Jones likewise was picked for to long on rep, he hasn't for sometime been our best 6, 8 or 2nd row but admit has been in great form.
Hook, if as good as people say he is would have cemented his own place in the side.
Peel, ok give you that one should be in squad
bedfordwelsh- Moderator
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Reading into a comment by mark jones earlier, it looks like we may be looking at feilding as many of the foriegn leigon as possible, due to their insite into french rugby.
ScarletSpiderman- Posts : 9944
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
bedfordwelsh wrote:Henson hasn't been playing or been good enough over the last few years.
Byrne has been off form and was one of the ones who was being picked on rep.
R Jones likewise was picked for to long on rep, he hasn't for sometime been our best 6, 8 or 2nd row but admit has been in great form.
Hook, if as good as people say he is would have cemented his own place in the side.
Peel, ok give you that one should be in squad
I don't agree with all your comments but I can add P James, Tipuric, Biggar, Hibbard more recently. They have played bit parts in games but have been form players, like the players I stated above are they 100% behind Howley?
glamorganalun- Posts : 3292
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
alun,
I agree 110% on all those 4 despite never being a fan of either Biggar or Hibbard they are on form and deserve a fair crack of the whip.
I agree 110% on all those 4 despite never being a fan of either Biggar or Hibbard they are on form and deserve a fair crack of the whip.
bedfordwelsh- Moderator
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
What we can predict from Howley on Saturday evening is:
"I thought the boys performed a lot better than last week, we were sharper from the start and our heads didn't drop when we were put under pressure. We showed better composure with ball in hand and scored some good trys. There were definite improvements for all to see and I think this shows that we have turned the corner. I see no reason why we can't build on this for our next game and get that much needed win under our belt. After that I can see the confidence returning. In fact you could see the players performing with more confidence today and that was against a very good french team playing with a hostile french crowd behind them. I'm pleased with how the boys performed and I am proud of how they did today"
"I thought the boys performed a lot better than last week, we were sharper from the start and our heads didn't drop when we were put under pressure. We showed better composure with ball in hand and scored some good trys. There were definite improvements for all to see and I think this shows that we have turned the corner. I see no reason why we can't build on this for our next game and get that much needed win under our belt. After that I can see the confidence returning. In fact you could see the players performing with more confidence today and that was against a very good french team playing with a hostile french crowd behind them. I'm pleased with how the boys performed and I am proud of how they did today"
Last edited by RubyGuby on Thu 07 Feb 2013, 2:11 pm; edited 1 time in total
RubyGuby- Posts : 7404
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
RubyGuby wrote:What we can predict from Howley on Saturday evening is:
"I thought the boys performed a lot better than last week, we were sharper from the start and our heads didn't drop when we were put under pressure. We showed better composure with ball in hand and scored some good trys. There were definite improvements for all to see and I think this shows that we have turned the corner. I see no reason why we can't build on this for our next game and get that much needed win under our built. After that I can see the confidence returning. In fact you could see the players performing with more confidence today and that was against a very good french team playing with a hostile french crowd behind them. I'm pleased with how the boys performed and I am proud of how they did today"
Whatever happens Warburton will be back as captain at 7, Gethin will remain, M Rees will be back and no changes in the back line also R Jones your back on the bench even if Wales win.
glamorganalun- Posts : 3292
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Howler has hit out at the press for trying to drive a wedge between him and the team.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2013/02/08/wales-coach-accuses-media-of-driving-wedge-between-players-and-coaches-91466-32768376/
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2013/02/08/wales-coach-accuses-media-of-driving-wedge-between-players-and-coaches-91466-32768376/
ROB Howley has taken an extraordinary swipe at the media, accusing it of trying to drive a wedge through the Wales camp.
The caretaker Wales coach spoke out just before his squad leave for tomorrow’s crucial Six Nations shoot-out with France in Paris.
Wales have lost their last eight fixtures – two short of the record of 2002-03 – to face intense questioning from press and public about where it’s gone wrong since clinching the Grand Slam by beating France last March.
Former Cardiff Blues backs guru Howley revealed he had spent the last couple of days ensuring the Wales squad and management were as one.
“You have to talk to players and get feedback from them, creating that bit of unity and trust within your coaching team and players,” he said.
“That’s the key for me this week. But by the very nature of international sport, the media try to split the atom, the players and the coaches.
“I’ve been working on that over the past 72 hours because, to be successful in sport, you need unity and trust. The one thing this environment has created over the past four years is a team and a coaching team of unity, that’s been my main focus.”
Former Wales outside-half Gareth Davies’ assertion that rookie Six Nations playmaker Dan Biggar would have increased confidence if entrusted with goal-kicking duties ahead of Blues star Leigh Halfpenny brought short shrift from Howley.
“We have Leigh, who’s one of best goal-kickers in the game,” he declared.
“Dan had a steady Test match. It’s his first Six Nations and so you have to take into account his emotions.
“You have to all realise, too, that it’s a big step up from regional to Test rugby. He warmed to the task and his second half display was good.
“He had a kick charged down, but did well to recover from a mistake like that.
“Let’s not all put pressure on our No.10. There are 23 players that play for Wales. Obviously, a No.10 is an individual who can offer us a lot in international rugby. It will take Dan time, but we are prepared at this moment to give him time.
“The way he orchestrated the second-half display, and became a running threat, putting the ball through his hands on occasions ... we scored three tries in the second-half and Dan had a part to play in that.
“There’s a style of game that we need to play and implement against France in attack and defence.
“We feel our intensity and mindset in training this week has been sharper. When you lose or play as we did in the first-half it certainly focuses your mind.
“The players have been great this week, particularly the first two days, putting the stuff from the weekend behind them. Now we’re focusing on the challenge of playing a very good French side.”
Howley said Wales’ second-half display against Ireland, battling back from a 27-point deficit to lose 30-22, had persuaded him to keeping changes to a minimum.
“That second-half performance showed me we have enough talent,” he said.
“We can be good when we are accurate. That was important to look at before making wholesale changes.
“Last Saturday night I was frustrated and disappointed because I know this side is much better than they showed in the first-half, and the players know that as well.
“That was the frustration. If we’d started as we played the second-half there would have been a totally different feeling this week. But that’s international sport – it’s all or nothing. Momentum is hugely important.
“In previous years, we’ve lost to England at the Millennium Stadium then gone away and beaten Scotland and Italy. But France will pose a different challenge. The one thing you want to see from players is a reaction.”
“That reaction has come in the early part of the week in terms of them analysing their game and focusing on the areas they need to work on.
“Now it’s about getting our mind-set right for Saturday. “
ScarletSpiderman- Posts : 9944
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
“Now it’s about getting our mind-set right for Saturday. “
Wrong again I'm afraid Rob - Roll on 2014 FFS
Wrong again I'm afraid Rob - Roll on 2014 FFS
RubyGuby- Posts : 7404
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Casartelli wrote:"Split the atom."?
Yeah out players and coaches are that tight they are like an atom Pppffft I don't understand him anymore.
ScarletSpiderman- Posts : 9944
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
One suggestion from an ex international No.10 and Howley's finally flipped.
Split the f***ing atom!!!?
Split the f***ing atom!!!?
Casartelli- Posts : 1935
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Casartelli wrote:One suggestion from an ex international No.10 and Howley's finally flipped.
Split the f***ing atom!!!?
Just dawned on he, the press stand a better chance of splitting the atom than they do understanding what the heell he is on about!
ScarletSpiderman- Posts : 9944
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
All this talk of unity - sounds a lot like him trying to deflect blame.
This is a nice touch:
“Let’s not all put pressure on our No.10. There are 23 players that play for Wales. Obviously, a No.10 is an individual who can offer us a lot in international rugby. It will take Dan time, but we are prepared at this moment to give him time."
Adding pressure while attempting to relieve pressure. That's quite a trick.
This is a nice touch:
“Let’s not all put pressure on our No.10. There are 23 players that play for Wales. Obviously, a No.10 is an individual who can offer us a lot in international rugby. It will take Dan time, but we are prepared at this moment to give him time."
Adding pressure while attempting to relieve pressure. That's quite a trick.
Luckless Pedestrian- Posts : 24898
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
We don't have any fecking time Rob - The clock has started mate - Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez
RubyGuby- Posts : 7404
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
Biggar's 2nd consecutive start at 10. That's as many as Hook has had in the last five seasons.
Long way to go to match the 47 that Priestland got though.
Dan looks secure in the 10 slot for the foreseeable.
Long way to go to match the 47 that Priestland got though.
Dan looks secure in the 10 slot for the foreseeable.
Casartelli- Posts : 1935
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Re: The Rob Howley prediction game.
All this smacks of Rob thinking he's losing the dressing room IMHO!!
Biggar must be feeling the heat as Howley declared it to the world, then he f**k's around Rees and Owens, puts everyones noses out at including an Englishman who has never had any intentions of playing for Wales, has assigned a backs coach even more inexperienced as he was, and talks absolute garbage focussing on the wrong areas every time!!!
He knows the fans aren't happy, not so much with the losses but the manner of losing with the same selection mistakes over and over, I would dare to suggest grumblings from James, Owens, Tipuric, King, Williams etc who are all the form players!!!
Biggar must be feeling the heat as Howley declared it to the world, then he f**k's around Rees and Owens, puts everyones noses out at including an Englishman who has never had any intentions of playing for Wales, has assigned a backs coach even more inexperienced as he was, and talks absolute garbage focussing on the wrong areas every time!!!
He knows the fans aren't happy, not so much with the losses but the manner of losing with the same selection mistakes over and over, I would dare to suggest grumblings from James, Owens, Tipuric, King, Williams etc who are all the form players!!!
thebluesmancometh- Posts : 8358
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