England v New Zealand match thread

[quinsforever]

First topic message reminder :

2.30pm at Twickenham on Saturday.

Betfair has england 5:1 against. Sounds about right to me.

Are NZ wearing black this time? I hope so. don't think France or anyone else found the Haka quite the same performed in what looked like white gym T-shirts.

My prediction, fwiw (and i know that's not much), NZ to win by 6, england to dominate at scrums, lineouts 50:50, 60% possession England but Joubert tough (but predictable and consistent) on holding on means isolated possession gives NZ the scoring edge from penalties, and NZ classically more clinical with open/broken field possession.

Really looking forwards to it though.

Anyone going?

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I thought BL could have stood for Burt Lancaster.

[Rugby Fan]

...I still say BL has a lot to do with their success- especially in terms of preparation of the walk on side on the day.

I'm sure the answer is blindingly obvious and I'll feel stupid for asking, but it's doing my head in: who's BL?

In Japan, "BL" is the common acronym for..err..."Boy's Love"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaoi

That would certainly be an interesting explanation for their success.

[Cyril]

'Bomber' Lancaster?

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Kiakahaaotearoa ?
are you named after a volcano or something ?
At my old school in London that name would have been a wedgie target.
606 some funny old user names do pop up.

Kia Kaha Aotearoa loosely translates from the Maori Be Strong NZ

It was born out of the 2007 RWC disappointment. It's a little known fact that it was a major reason for the win in 2011 so profoundly touched were the players after they became aware of it when one of the NZ players took up the moniker Grey Ghost.

[gregortree]

'Bomber' Lancaster?

 yes, and Manu 'bouncing bomb' Tuilagi is in the sick bay sadly, so not ready for takeoff.
I fear bomber will not be able to break the Black dam without him.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Just don't mention the dog. I mentioned it once and certainly didn't get away with it.

[gregortree]

 Kia thanks
I fear NZ will be too strong for England this Saturday.
And Grey Ghost will come back to haunt us.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

The grey was a reference to the teale grey that I hope never comes back.

My username info is true. The rest is speculation or libelous depending on your lawyer. What about yours? Your username sounds like it would go well with Hendricks and cucumber.

[gregortree]

Kia
my 606 user name derives from a family nickname.
Sorry to hear about your dog, not sure what happened to it, but I wont mention it again.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Don't have one now but it's been a while since I had one. I was referring to the politically incorrectly named dog in the Dambusters along with a Basil Fawlty reference.

[GloriousEmpire]

It means stand strong New Zealand. More or less. Not sure how that's target for a wedgie from a nation who played a guy called Grewcock.

[gregortree]

GE ... well what do Londoners know about funny names ?
I was officially born a 'Cockney' so make what you will of that.

[GloriousEmpire]

In cockfosters?

[GloriousEmpire]

Worst rugby name ever has to be Carmichael Hunt. Who preferred his first name to be spelled with a K on the abbreviated team sheet list.

[Mr Bounce]

Oh I don't know. If I was Jean Condom I'd have changed my name.

[fa0019]

Oh I don't know. If I was Jean Condom I'd have changed my name.

You'd either be Mickey Skinner or a brave man to tell him that mind.

[Taylorman]

Yes I meant SL...sparked a detour though...morning folks..

One of the players who seems to be having a fair bit to say lately is 36. First saw him 3-4 years ago in club rugby and thought he was brilliant, couldnt see why the name never appeared on the England teamsheet. He's there now and so far is up and down. Didnt play well in the pressure cooker game vs Oz but came through vs Argie.

As a big guy his defence will be questioned in terms of being able to turn and cover off the AB attack which is very likely to comethrough his channel. He doesnt have experience of playing the AB's and his effort this weekend is critical, as he'll be one of the key players tested, first the obvious way with Nonu trying to soften him up a bit, but also with <insert AB 10 here> testing the line for the gaps.

These are the types of matches that can make or break a player at this level and the AB's will be looking to exploit the reasons 36 hasnt made the side all these years. Good player but the midfield can be the loneliest place in the world if it doesnt go right.

Wish him luck as he's the type that should be on the international stage...but be very aware...this ones a biggie for you Mr. 36

[GloriousEmpire]

Yes hopefully he's ruthlessly exposed. Like that tait fellow. Whatever happened to him?

[Cyril]

Tait's career has been marred by a number of bad injuries.

[Taylorman]

Speaking of injuries, Between Argie and the Boks the two NH sides have copped a fair bit of injury where that doesnt seem to have been reciprocated. Is it a sign that the SH are more physcial in the contact? I realise some are strains etc but a few have been caused in the contact. Concussion, knee injury and recurring old injuries appear to be the main ones. Are players coming back from injury too quickly? Corbs, Mako?

[Duty281]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wod8aZzmRWE

Be positive. Ignore Tuilagi's absence this saturday...at least try to!

[aucklandlaurie]

Taylorman,Dan hasnt been right since his surprise meeting with Bismark.

[Rugby Fan]

Speaking of injuries, Between Argie and the Boks the two NH sides have copped a fair bit of injury where that doesnt seem to have been reciprocated.

Players touring with the Lions seem to have a particularly poor injury record at the beginning of the next season. Some actually delay surgery to tour, others don't let long term niggles get sufficient rest with a proper summer break, while quite a few take a battering on the tour itself.

[nathan]

Speaking of injuries, Between Argie and the Boks the two NH sides have copped a fair bit of injury where that doesnt seem to have been reciprocated.

Players touring with the Lions seem to have a particularly poor injury record at the beginning of the next season. Some actually delay surgery to tour, others don't let long term niggles get sufficient rest with a proper summer break, while quite a few take a battering on the tour itself.

Case in point Ben Youngs who played whilst injured and came back injured.

[yappysnap]

And Corbs to a degree. Really worth while rushing him back for Argie wasn't it  

[Geordie]

Exactly yappy...I was bleating on all week...DON'T rush corbs back... And lo behold what happens.

Well Marlers going to be getting tested this weekend...I'm actually confident he'll play well. It's other areas I'm more concerned with...

1 Marker
2 Hartley
3 Wilson or Cole

[englandglory4ever]

Cruciate ligament injuries are notorious for repeatedly flaring up after a game when they appeared to be healed beforehand. The knee swells up the day after and takes days/weeks to recover. Only for it to react again the next time. The medical peeps won't know for sure how it will react.

[kingelderfield]

Change will only come from the players. Theres been talk for somtime regarding a global season which may help with some of the hemisphereal inequities - does it ever seem as though the south always seem to have the edge......

All in all as the game evolves, and again it will only happen from the players, the numbers of games a professional player can turn out for will be reduced. I could easily see a future maximum of 25 games in a global season - real professional player welfare. If you look at the lessons of rugby's distant cousin - the NFL - then you can see that less if most definitly more at all levels.

[doctor_grey]

And Corbs to a degree. Really worth while rushing him back for Argie wasn't it  

Effing stupid for him to be playing before January.

[Taylorman]

At the moment bu)*ms on seats and tv rights is dictating everything so I dont know how players are going to get the powers from all of a sudden.

Our guys have had to play at night for years- be a rare match in the last decade when DC or McCaw or any All Black plays during the day- and that would e overseas. And now they have to take sabbaticals just to get a rest.

Power to the players? I think not...

[doctor_grey]

Cruciate ligament injuries are notorious for repeatedly flaring up after a game when they appeared to be healed beforehand. The knee swells up the day after and takes days/weeks to recover. Only for it to react again the next time. The medical peeps won't know for sure how it will react.

The cruciate ligs provide torsional stability to the knee.  If a full replacement, the lig/tendon replacement has not yet healed, the damage could be to the ligament, tendon or to the knee joint itself.  Depending on the severity of the damage, full recovery may or may not be possible.  Which is why these are long recoveries.  Put Corbs on the shelf until January.  Who is looking at these blokes?  and who the f is evaluating the recovery?  

Madness.

[kingelderfield]

At the moment bu)*ms on seats and tv rights is dictating everything so I dont know how players are going to get the powers from all of a sudden.

Our guys have had to play at night for years- be a rare match in the last decade when DC or McCaw or any All Black plays during the day- and that would e overseas. And now they have to take sabbaticals just to get a rest.

Power to the players? I think not...

Rugby is a professional sport, though we and the majority of fans don't care to grasp the full truth of this fact, and as such players will when push comes to shove remove their labour and go on strike. An unpalatable thought I know, however if players really want the best chance of a reasonably career then they will have to take a stand at some point. Ofcourse we're along way from this at present, however at some time push will come to shove especially in the club driven north.

[nathan]

Cruciate ligament injuries are notorious for repeatedly flaring up after a game when they appeared to be healed beforehand. The knee swells up the day after and takes days/weeks to recover. Only for it to react again the next time. The medical peeps won't know for sure how it will react.

The cruciate ligs provide torsional stability to the knee.  If a full replacement, the lig/tendon replacement has not yet healed, the damage could be to the ligament, tendon or to the knee joint itself.  Depending on the severity of the damage, full recovery may or may not be possible.  Which is why these are long recoveries.  Put Corbs on the shelf until January.  Who is looking at these blokes?  and who the f is evaluating the recovery?  

Madness.

Just been watch Rugby Tonight and Austin Healy mentioned that Corbs injury is the same that ended Austins career.

[aucklandlaurie]

I know Zinny wears his heart on his sleeve, but does he really need to wear his mouth there as well?


http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/13/zinzan-brooke-england-rudderless

[quinsforever]

that the same muppet who confidently predicted england's demolition at the hands of australia?  

[quinsforever]

will be a nice bit of motivation for white. bit more pressure on the ABs. perfect.

[mystiroakey]

I backed england(though national pride) last NZ game at 9/1

5/1 seems a bit cheap tbh. However I am backing us again. when we hear comments from Kiwis, that there are exceptional and they have raised the bar and that no one can compete with them, I just laugh.

You never ever hear the UK cycling teams saying that, the Spanish footballing team saying that, the SA cricket team saying that.

It makes you wanna puke to be honest. Talk about have there heads shoved up there asses

[quinsforever]

that's more like it mysti. we'll get fireworks on this thread yet, even if the match turns out to be a damp squid.

you coming to the pre-xmas drinks next week? thread on main rugby union page.

i've told GE i'll buy him drinks all night if England win

[aucklandlaurie]

I backed england(though national pride) last NZ game at 9/1

5/1 seems a bit cheap tbh. However I am backing us again. when we hear comments from Kiwis, that there are exceptional and they have raised the bar and that no one can compete with them, I just laugh.

You never ever hear the UK cycling teams saying that, the Spanish footballing team saying that, the SA cricket team saying that.

It makes you wanna puke to be honest. Talk about have there heads shoved up there asses

gidday Mystir, but if your going to puke go outside..

[mystiroakey]

By the way lads- I did think 5/1 was too cheap.

Betfair exchange has us at 9.6

approx 8/1 after commission..

[mystiroakey]

that's more like it mysti. we'll get fireworks on this thread yet, even if the match turns out to be a damp squid.

you coming to the pre-xmas drinks next week? thread on main rugby union page.

i've told GE i'll buy him drinks all night if England win

IF GE is there I will be there!!

[aucklandlaurie]

on the New Zealand TAB:

Head to Head New Zealand is paying $1.12 and England $5.50.

I personally think its a lot closer than that.

[mystiroakey]

I think that's a bit short to be honest Aucks!


I do find it strange that you can get better odds on England in England!!

But that is the nature of both sets of rugby fans I suppose..

[AFewTooManyKnocks]

I backed england(though national pride) last NZ game at 9/1

5/1 seems a bit cheap tbh. However I am backing us again. when we hear comments from Kiwis, that there are exceptional and they have raised the bar and that no one can compete with them, I just laugh.

You never ever hear the UK cycling teams saying that, the Spanish footballing team saying that, the SA cricket team saying that.

It makes you wanna puke to be honest. Talk about have there heads shoved up there asses

I'm quite sure a lot these things are said behind closed doors. To think that any elite sportsman at the top of his sport doesn't self motivate by slapping themselves on the back is deluded. Step into any dressing room and it will be the same. Christ my old club dressing room used to say similar stuff. To think that Alistair Cook isn't sitting in a dressing room before a test telling the guys that they're the worlds best is a bit short sighted.

None of these sportspeople say these things to the media. If journalists want to write this stuff then it is no fault of the actual players, coaches, or supporters. They're paid to write tripe.

[quinsforever]

By the way lads- I did think 5/1 was too cheap.

Betfair exchange has us at 9.6

approx 8/1 after commission..

was 5/1 before cords, yarde and wade were all confirmed out...

[mystiroakey]

Afew its not the players saying that is it. Its normally Ex players or press etc.,

Look NZ are rightfully the best. We all know it. We all have our feet on the ground. But come on let us say it for you

England get blasted for saying stuff that is half as egotistical..

Obviously those comments and GE's makes me really wanna get behind England even more..

[blackcanelion]

The AB's have undertaken hightech research to avoid a repeat of last year:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr4Z2oemA0E

[mystiroakey]

By the way lads- I did think 5/1 was too cheap.

Betfair exchange has us at 9.6

approx 8/1 after commission..

was 5/1 before cords, yarde and wade were all confirmed out...

There inst much money at that price- its an exchange market- but there is a few hundred at 8.8.

Bet fair fixed is priced at 6.5(11/2)

[AFewTooManyKnocks]

Afew its not the players saying that is it. Its normally Ex players or press etc.,

Look NZ are rightfully the best. We all know it. We all have our feet on the ground. But come on let us say it for you

England get blasted for saying stuff that is half as egotistical..

Obviously those comments and GE's makes me really wanna get behind England even more..

Fair enough mate. Ex players are just as bad as hyped up journo's sometimes. I guess some of them get employed post playing career based on their on-field play, rather than any knack with the media. There's a few from cricket that I cringe at as well.

[mystiroakey]

"There's a few from cricket that I cringe at as well."

yep its boobie for tat with Botham v the Aussies ex players!!

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