How to insult a Tongan

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Nice one Shaun

Usually we can rely on WG to make the usual loaded statement pre game just to get the opposition riled up

This time WG has left it to Shaun Edwards to up the anti with his suggestion Wales will need extra protection from the referee from the Tongans who it seems will be boiling players in a big pot on half way when they aren't smashing us into little pieces.

It was Fiji not Tonga who had 4 sent off last week and to make a public comment like this is pretty witless. I know Wales like to draw attention away form the players pre match and WG usually like to throw a barbed comment out there to get under the opposition skin, but this time it may well work against us. An insulted Tonga. Gulp.

We are already fielding a baby faced side with a 9-13 axis that looks pretty ropey, Amos looks like he might miss his bedtime if he plays both halves and lead by a capt who has always struck me as just being too nice a bloke. I am sure the players are quietly hoping Shaun Edwards would have stuck to getting into a fight about what songs get played on the bus rather than getting the collective tongan blood up.

Why not just speak to the ref privately or are wales still collectively sulking with the world's refs and refusing to speak to them before the game.

All that said, the idea that 23 Tongans are 'insulted' did make me laugh a little bit…I can imagine these man mountains sitting down to discuss the statement, i am pretty sure being 'insulted' did not come into it and i expect them to come out on Friday evening looking to fricassee us with a Shaun Edwards jus and a nice Chianti

Oh Wales, will you ever learn.

He's asked the ref to control things so we don't pick up more injuries before Aus. Hardly insulting them.

And if they have taken offence maybe they should learn to tackle within the rules of the game.

rainbow-warrior wrote:I have always been of the opinion that ALL games are important after all they are 'Test Matches'.  Since the World Cup and professionalism things have changed.  Subs are allowed where once if you were injured you had to play on.  Every country uses rotation now even the Lions did that without disrespecting any Aussie team.  

Wales were once extremely poor when it came to strength in depth but this has changed because of WG selections and players need to be blooded into international games don't they????

I do not feel we are disrespecting Tonga in the least and I feel the squad playing on Friday is a good squad. Anyway with the injured we already have I feel it is appropriate to blood a few so we can be strong for the Aussie game when we will lose some players back to their clubs and remember them injuries too.

A loss would be hard to take but I do not feel it will upset the squad in terms of how they front up against Aussie.  Don't think it is serious enough for Welsh fan to fight Welsh fan.

Well said.

GLove39 wrote:

Griff wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote: Makes you wonder whether as a "D" coach Edwards wouldnt mind have the services of a few more South Pacific Islanders than he has currently.

As for Mike Fraser, I think hes an Ok referee, just so long as he isnt refereeing Wellington!!. after doing the under 20s final this appointment must be pretty big for him.

Not on current showing, I wouldn't have thought. Samoa shipped a ton of points to Ireland (not literally obv.), Fiji shipped a fair few to Italy (who are not know for high scoring rugby) and Tonga conceded about 40 to France. Not the best defences, currently.  

In fairness to Fiji, they lost by only 6 points to Italy (37-31) which is remarkable given they were down to 11 men at one stage!!!

If they'd gone down to seven men, they'd have won.

weaken team and playing on a Friday is quite disrespectful but not asking the ref to be mindful of hospital tackles

Why is playing Friday disrespectful ? Lower ranked team gets lower television figures 'shocker'

And its not a 'weakend' team - its squad rotation to prevent even more injuries

munkian wrote:its not a 'weakend' team - its squad rotation to prevent even more injuries

Pull the other one. If we were playing a higher-ranked side, the squad wouldn't be 'rotated' half as much.

Ok, probably not. Still not sure how its 'disrespectful' though ? A team ranked a fair bit above another rests some players and caps a couple. Its not like we've called up Mcusker or Tom James  

I don't see people calling Aus 'disrespectful' for suspending players for the Scotland game rather than the Ireland one...

11 is quite a few players to rest.

So you would've played your best sqaud with the injuries we already have ?

No, I'd be honest and say it's a weakened side.

So, in fact, he is being 'respectful' by calling it roatation than saying 'Yeah, Tongans are just lowlly bosh merchants so we can chuck anyone at them'

When do we give young players experience before the WC ? During the 6 Nations ? - fupp that

ok perhaps disrespectful the wrong word but putting out mainly your second team (which i agree with ) shows it slightly . why it played on a Friday i dont know . Im surprised its being played at the millennium .

There's usually a Friday game when we have 4 AI matches - probably to do with TV scheduling I reckon

jimmyinthewell68 wrote:ok perhaps disrespectful the wrong word but putting out mainly  your second team (which i agree with ) shows it slightly . why it played on a Friday i dont know . Im surprised its being played at the millennium .

If we were playing in the pool stages Wales would do the same and pick a weaker team against a weaker nation, particularly if their following game was a vital qualifier.

The team selected for Friday is very much a weakened team but it stands us in good stead for the future. This isn't disrespectful! This is realistic.

If Tonga want more respect then win games without trying to kill people

This is such a daft article.

It's quite simple. There are a host of rules in place in the game of Rugby Union to ensure the players safety. Each coach in every team expects the officials to enforce these rules so there are no serious injuries.

Some might think it's unfair but the PI teams have a reputation for dangerous tackling. From what I've seen from teams like Samoa for example, it's well justified. Now considering that Tonga had a player sent off for dangerous play versus France (and there was more nasty stuff in that match so I'm told) then Shaun Edwards is well within his rights to expect the referee to enforce the rules thus preventing a raft of serious injuries (to either side).

He also said, "I think Saturday was a little bit of a reminder, both the Fiji game and the Tonga game, that it can boil over at times and it is vital that we, in particular, keep our discipline." which is absolutely spot on. Who gives a fack if the Tonga coach is offended, let his team deal with it on the pitch....within the boundaries of the law/rules .

The Wales team is picked to attack through the driving maul and counter-attack from loose play. Wales by 10 or more for me.

Sometimes people seem to be seeking an insult where none is intended.

It's not an insult to play on the Friday, nor I doubt within Wales's control (the mighty TV makes those calls I believe).

It's not an insult to try new players and combinations in an AI.

I can completely understand why the Wales management would be more focused on the Australia game - they are in the same group for the WC after all.

Wales will want to, and expect to win.

I'd want the ref to ensure things are kept within the rules for player safety.
Not entirely sure he had to make that point public, but a non-story for me.

nobbled wrote:I'd want the ref to ensure things are kept within the rules for player safety.
Not entirely sure he had to make that point public, but a non-story for me.

Well it really can be left unsaid, can't it?

If he is concerned about player safety then his captain can raise it ahead of the game. Was it Fiji you could still justify such a comment after last weekend.

Should just have kept it to himself, to be honest.

What can Tonga do about it though? They get wound up too much, they'll go headhunting or make risky tackles and if they don't, then advantage us if they think twice about their tackles.

Biltong wrote:

nobbled wrote:I'd want the ref to ensure things are kept within the rules for player safety.
Not entirely sure he had to make that point public, but a non-story for me.

Well it really can be left unsaid, can't it?

If he is concerned about player safety then his captain can raise it ahead of the game. Was it Fiji you could still justify such a comment after last weekend.

Should just have kept it to himself, to be honest.

Yeah he could have. Probably should have. Still don't see it as insulting so much as irrelevant.

fancy refing  a Tonga vs samoa match 

jimmyinthewell68 wrote:fancy refing  a Tonga vs samoa match 

I got up at 3am during the world cup for Fiji v Samoa and it was rubbish !

Very pleased that Edwards has come out and said what he said. I've been of the opinion for years now, that if the PI teams want to be taken seriously - and keep being offered AI games - then they need to sort their discipline out, and stop being reckless. Nothing clever or 'physical' about late, head-high challenges and leading with the head/shoulder.

Well said HG. I basically said the same thing in the aftermath of Wales vs Samoa last season, and was dismissed as a Welsh Whinger.

Each team puts out 15 men . If one plays rough , dont take a step back instead give back as much as you get like men.

Yeah, but within the laws.

The Saint wrote:Yeah, but within the laws.

It is important people respect the laws of whatever activity they are engaged in eh Saint

Yeah. I regularly pay my taxes. Your article is still daft by the way .

Mmmm, yet you post on it

Suits you.

Just noticed that Fosita is playing, one of my favorite players for the Mighty Taniwha but he is not capable of getting into the Blues yet. Looks like a rather weak Tongan side that on paper Wales should ..... SHOULD put on a lot of points and most certainly there is no disrespect in changing a few players for this game even if it is 11..

Higher_Ground wrote:Very pleased that Edwards has come out and said what he said. I've been of the opinion for years now, that if the PI teams want to be taken seriously - and keep being offered AI games - then they need to sort their discipline out, and stop being reckless. Nothing clever or 'physical' about late, head-high challenges and leading with the head/shoulder.

Its a good thing the welsh players are a darn side tougher than some of their supporters.

aucklandlaurie wrote:

Higher_Ground wrote:Very pleased that Edwards has come out and said what he said. I've been of the opinion for years now, that if the PI teams want to be taken seriously - and keep being offered AI games - then they need to sort their discipline out, and stop being reckless. Nothing clever or 'physical' about late, head-high challenges and leading with the head/shoulder.

Its a good thing the welsh players are a darn side tougher than some of  their supporters.

I don't see why people are so keen to dismiss their dangerous play behaviour all the time. As I said earlier the rules in place are there for the players safety. It's no surprise to see this comment from a Kiwi, you lot still think what happened to BOD in 05 was perfectly okay.

It doesn't matter how 'tough' you are as a player, if someone late shoulder charges you to the head, you're going to miss part of the season, like Dan Biggar last year.
If I was only interested in 'big hits' and Super physicality awesomeness, I'd watch rugby league.
The next generation of players - and more importantly their parents - are watching, it still needs to be a game that people want to get involved with, not shy away from because if that nonsense.
Ps I'm not a total Wendy, physicality within the laws is fine by me.

Higher_Ground wrote:It doesn't matter how 'tough' you are as a player, if someone late shoulder charges you to the head, you're going to miss part of the season, like Dan Biggar last year.
If I was only interested in 'big hits' and Super physicality awesomeness, I'd watch rugby league.
The next generation of players - and more importantly their parents - are watching, it still needs to be a game that people want to get involved with, not shy away from because if that nonsense.
Ps I'm not a total Wendy, physicality within the laws is fine by me.

I agree with you. The laws of the game involving tackling are there for a very good reason, to try to prevent injury. Dan Biggar last year is a great example of the issue at hand.

Taking out the oppositions key player early on in a match of relevance is an age old tactic that we have seen many times. The referees have to lay down the law firmly to prevent situations that can cause serious harm to others.

Last week the ref and his touch judges acted firmly and decisively when the fight broke out between the Tongan pro and French second row. The game was all the cleaner for it. The players realised that they would suffer serious repercussions if they didnt play within the parameters the laws set.

The Saint wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote:

Higher_Ground wrote:Very pleased that Edwards has come out and said what he said. I've been of the opinion for years now, that if the PI teams want to be taken seriously - and keep being offered AI games - then they need to sort their discipline out, and stop being reckless. Nothing clever or 'physical' about late, head-high challenges and leading with the head/shoulder.

Its a good thing the welsh players are a darn side tougher than some of  their supporters.

I don't see why people are so keen to dismiss their dangerous play behaviour all the time. As I said earlier the rules in place are there for the players safety. It's no surprise to see this comment from a Kiwi, you lot still think what happened to BOD in 05 was perfectly okay.

you'd think the Welsh Players are all angels on the field judging from you lot  

Bullsbok wrote:

The Saint wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote:

Higher_Ground wrote:Very pleased that Edwards has come out and said what he said. I've been of the opinion for years now, that if the PI teams want to be taken seriously - and keep being offered AI games - then they need to sort their discipline out, and stop being reckless. Nothing clever or 'physical' about late, head-high challenges and leading with the head/shoulder.

Its a good thing the welsh players are a darn side tougher than some of  their supporters.

I don't see why people are so keen to dismiss their dangerous play behaviour all the time. As I said earlier the rules in place are there for the players safety. It's no surprise to see this comment from a Kiwi, you lot still think what happened to BOD in 05 was perfectly okay.

you'd think the Welsh Players are all angels on the field judging from you lot  

I disagree.

The article is about nations that have a reputation for late and illegitimate tackles. Wales do not have a reputation for that so it is unlikely that there is going to be any stones cast in the Wales teams direction.

A valuable player leaving the field due to an early injury makes a huge impact on a team. In the game vs SA, the absence of JD2 and Adam Jones was definitely far more beneficial to your cause than ours in what was a very close game.

maestegmafia wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

The Saint wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote:

Higher_Ground wrote:Very pleased that Edwards has come out and said what he said. I've been of the opinion for years now, that if the PI teams want to be taken seriously - and keep being offered AI games - then they need to sort their discipline out, and stop being reckless. Nothing clever or 'physical' about late, head-high challenges and leading with the head/shoulder.

Its a good thing the welsh players are a darn side tougher than some of  their supporters.

I don't see why people are so keen to dismiss their dangerous play behaviour all the time. As I said earlier the rules in place are there for the players safety. It's no surprise to see this comment from a Kiwi, you lot still think what happened to BOD in 05 was perfectly okay.

you'd think the Welsh Players are all angels on the field judging from you lot  

I disagree.

The article is about nations that have a reputation for late and illegitimate tackles. Wales do not have a reputation for that so it is unlikely that there is going to be any stones cast in the Wales teams direction.

A valuable player leaving the field due to an early injury makes a huge impact on a team. In the game vs SA, the absence of JD2 and Adam Jones was definitely far more beneficial to your cause than ours in what was a very close game.

I think that reputation exists because people keep parroting on about it . Its the biggest cliche with Islander teams and is whipped out prior to every game against them even when they dont .They're very big very fast men playing a full contact sport. Of course its going to get messy and people will be hurt you just get on with it .

Bullsbok wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

The Saint wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote:

Higher_Ground wrote:Very pleased that Edwards has come out and said what he said. I've been of the opinion for years now, that if the PI teams want to be taken seriously - and keep being offered AI games - then they need to sort their discipline out, and stop being reckless. Nothing clever or 'physical' about late, head-high challenges and leading with the head/shoulder.

Its a good thing the welsh players are a darn side tougher than some of  their supporters.

I don't see why people are so keen to dismiss their dangerous play behaviour all the time. As I said earlier the rules in place are there for the players safety. It's no surprise to see this comment from a Kiwi, you lot still think what happened to BOD in 05 was perfectly okay.

you'd think the Welsh Players are all angels on the field judging from you lot  

I disagree.

The article is about nations that have a reputation for late and illegitimate tackles. Wales do not have a reputation for that so it is unlikely that there is going to be any stones cast in the Wales teams direction.

A valuable player leaving the field due to an early injury makes a huge impact on a team. In the game vs SA, the absence of JD2 and Adam Jones was definitely far more beneficial to your cause than ours in what was a very close game.

I think that reputation exists because people keep parroting on about it . Its the biggest cliche with Islander teams and is whipped out prior to every game against them even when they dont .They're very big very fast men playing a full contact sport. Of course its going to get messy and people will be hurt you just get on with it .

The reputation exists because it is a fact as you state yourself, "They're very big very fast men playing a full contact sport. Of course its going to get messy and people will be hurt", you can call it a cliche but facts are facts.

maestegmafia wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

The Saint wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote:

Higher_Ground wrote:Very pleased that Edwards has come out and said what he said. I've been of the opinion for years now, that if the PI teams want to be taken seriously - and keep being offered AI games - then they need to sort their discipline out, and stop being reckless. Nothing clever or 'physical' about late, head-high challenges and leading with the head/shoulder.

Its a good thing the welsh players are a darn side tougher than some of  their supporters.

I don't see why people are so keen to dismiss their dangerous play behaviour all the time. As I said earlier the rules in place are there for the players safety. It's no surprise to see this comment from a Kiwi, you lot still think what happened to BOD in 05 was perfectly okay.

you'd think the Welsh Players are all angels on the field judging from you lot  

I disagree.

The article is about nations that have a reputation for late and illegitimate tackles. Wales do not have a reputation for that so it is unlikely that there is going to be any stones cast in the Wales teams direction.

A valuable player leaving the field due to an early injury makes a huge impact on a team. In the game vs SA, the absence of JD2 and Adam Jones was definitely far more beneficial to your cause than ours in what was a very close game.

I think that reputation exists because people keep parroting on about it . Its the biggest cliche with Islander teams and is whipped out prior to every game against them even when they dont .They're very big very fast men playing a full contact sport. Of course its going to get messy and people will be hurt you just get on with it .

The reputation exists because it is a fact as you state yourself, "They're very big very fast men playing a full contact sport. Of course its going to get messy and people will be hurt", you can call it a cliche but facts are facts.

Wales are going also going to put 15 men on the field . Like i said if the Tongans want to play rough , pay them back in kind instead of asking for ref protection before a ball has even been kicked. The only time they should be telling the ref to keep an eye on things is during the game otherwise its insulting to insinuate the Tongans are dirty before a game in order to influence the ref

maestegmafia wrote:

Higher_Ground wrote:It doesn't matter how 'tough' you are as a player, if someone late shoulder charges you to the head, you're going to miss part of the season, like Dan Biggar last year.
If I was only interested in 'big hits' and Super physicality awesomeness, I'd watch rugby league.
The next generation of players - and more importantly their parents - are watching, it still needs to be a game that people want to get involved with, not shy away from because if that nonsense.
Ps I'm not a total Wendy, physicality within the laws is fine by me.

I agree with you. The laws of the game involving tackling are there for a very good reason, to try to prevent injury. Dan Biggar last year is a great example of the issue at hand.

Taking out the oppositions key player early on in a match of relevance is an age old tactic that we have seen many times. The referees have to lay down the law firmly to prevent situations that can cause serious harm to others.

Last week the ref and his touch judges acted firmly and decisively when the fight broke out between the Tongan pro and French second row. The game was all the cleaner for it. The players realised that they would suffer serious repercussions if they didnt play within the parameters the laws set.

Exactly right. Play hard but fair. Hopefully the TMO's powers to intervene will deal with things like that during matches rather than after them. Take the Andrew Hore - Bradley Davies incident. If that had happened this season, the TMO would have got involved and Hore would be off. (Same goes for the Bradley Davies - Donnacha Ryan incident a couple of seasons ago...)

Bullsbok wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

The Saint wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote:

Higher_Ground wrote:Very pleased that Edwards has come out and said what he said. I've been of the opinion for years now, that if the PI teams want to be taken seriously - and keep being offered AI games - then they need to sort their discipline out, and stop being reckless. Nothing clever or 'physical' about late, head-high challenges and leading with the head/shoulder.

Its a good thing the welsh players are a darn side tougher than some of  their supporters.

I don't see why people are so keen to dismiss their dangerous play behaviour all the time. As I said earlier the rules in place are there for the players safety. It's no surprise to see this comment from a Kiwi, you lot still think what happened to BOD in 05 was perfectly okay.

you'd think the Welsh Players are all angels on the field judging from you lot  

I disagree.

The article is about nations that have a reputation for late and illegitimate tackles. Wales do not have a reputation for that so it is unlikely that there is going to be any stones cast in the Wales teams direction.

A valuable player leaving the field due to an early injury makes a huge impact on a team. In the game vs SA, the absence of JD2 and Adam Jones was definitely far more beneficial to your cause than ours in what was a very close game.

I think that reputation exists because people keep parroting on about it . Its the biggest cliche with Islander teams and is whipped out prior to every game against them even when they dont .They're very big very fast men playing a full contact sport. Of course its going to get messy and people will be hurt you just get on with it .

The reputation exists because it is a fact as you state yourself, "They're very big very fast men playing a full contact sport. Of course its going to get messy and people will be hurt", you can call it a cliche but facts are facts.

Wales are going also going to put 15 men on the field . Like i said if the Tongans want to play rough , pay them back in kind instead of asking for ref protection before a ball has even been kicked. The only time they should be telling the ref to keep an eye on things is during the game otherwise its insulting to insinuate the Tongans are dirty before a game in order to influence the ref

I dont agree with your concept of "an eye for an eye" as the way to deal with the situation.

The recent game vs France the Tongans played some great rugby but the match was marred by two red cards for fighting and in the italy vs Fiji match an italian player having to have his spleen removed. Maybe both situations and various other un-necesary acts of violence, that are not within the parameters of the Laws of rugby union, could have been addressed pre-match.

We want to watch rugby Union at its finest, ultimate cage fighting is a different sport.

maestegmafia wrote:I don't think it matters whether we win or not. This game should be more about trying to play some rugby and create some good plays. A win is a bonus.

 

Scrumpy wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I don't think it matters whether we win or not. This game should be more about trying to play some rugby and create some good plays. A win is a bonus.

 

That quote is incredibly out of context. Why did you post it...???

maestegmafia wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

The Saint wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote:

Higher_Ground wrote:Very pleased that Edwards has come out and said what he said. I've been of the opinion for years now, that if the PI teams want to be taken seriously - and keep being offered AI games - then they need to sort their discipline out, and stop being reckless. Nothing clever or 'physical' about late, head-high challenges and leading with the head/shoulder.

Its a good thing the welsh players are a darn side tougher than some of  their supporters.

I don't see why people are so keen to dismiss their dangerous play behaviour all the time. As I said earlier the rules in place are there for the players safety. It's no surprise to see this comment from a Kiwi, you lot still think what happened to BOD in 05 was perfectly okay.

you'd think the Welsh Players are all angels on the field judging from you lot  

I disagree.

The article is about nations that have a reputation for late and illegitimate tackles. Wales do not have a reputation for that so it is unlikely that there is going to be any stones cast in the Wales teams direction.

A valuable player leaving the field due to an early injury makes a huge impact on a team. In the game vs SA, the absence of JD2 and Adam Jones was definitely far more beneficial to your cause than ours in what was a very close game.

I think that reputation exists because people keep parroting on about it . Its the biggest cliche with Islander teams and is whipped out prior to every game against them even when they dont .They're very big very fast men playing a full contact sport. Of course its going to get messy and people will be hurt you just get on with it .

The reputation exists because it is a fact as you state yourself, "They're very big very fast men playing a full contact sport. Of course its going to get messy and people will be hurt", you can call it a cliche but facts are facts.

Wales are going also going to put 15 men on the field . Like i said if the Tongans want to play rough , pay them back in kind instead of asking for ref protection before a ball has even been kicked. The only time they should be telling the ref to keep an eye on things is during the game otherwise its insulting to insinuate the Tongans are dirty before a game in order to influence the ref

I dont agree with your concept of "an eye for an eye" as the way to deal with the situation.

The recent game vs France the Tongans played some great rugby but the match was marred by two red cards for fighting and in the italy vs Fiji match an italian player having to have his spleen removed. Maybe both situations and various other un-necesary acts of violence, that are not within the parameters of the Laws of rugby union, could have been addressed pre-match.

We want to watch rugby Union at its finest, ultimate cage fighting is a different sport.

I don't necessarily disagree with you but it's rather poor tact to bring up Luca Morisi's misfortune as an example. He was victim to a perfectly legal albeit thundering tackle. As bad an injury as it was it wasn't due to inadequate protection on the ref's part. And as far as big hits go the same or similar could happen tonight without it being due to anyone deviating from the rules, such is the nature of the game.

Edwards like any coach worth his salt is concerned for his players and simply stressing that he wants the ref to stick to his guns. If the Tongans feel insulted, it's up to them to prove him wrong and have the last word.

Knowsit17 wrote:It's rather poor tact to bring up Luca Morisi's misfortune as an example. He was victim to a perfectly legal albeit thundering tackle.

Heaven knows he's miserable now.

Knowsit17 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

The Saint wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote:

Higher_Ground wrote:Very pleased that Edwards has come out and said what he said. I've been of the opinion for years now, that if the PI teams want to be taken seriously - and keep being offered AI games - then they need to sort their discipline out, and stop being reckless. Nothing clever or 'physical' about late, head-high challenges and leading with the head/shoulder.

Its a good thing the welsh players are a darn side tougher than some of  their supporters.

I don't see why people are so keen to dismiss their dangerous play behaviour all the time. As I said earlier the rules in place are there for the players safety. It's no surprise to see this comment from a Kiwi, you lot still think what happened to BOD in 05 was perfectly okay.

you'd think the Welsh Players are all angels on the field judging from you lot  

I disagree.

The article is about nations that have a reputation for late and illegitimate tackles. Wales do not have a reputation for that so it is unlikely that there is going to be any stones cast in the Wales teams direction.

A valuable player leaving the field due to an early injury makes a huge impact on a team. In the game vs SA, the absence of JD2 and Adam Jones was definitely far more beneficial to your cause than ours in what was a very close game.

I think that reputation exists because people keep parroting on about it . Its the biggest cliche with Islander teams and is whipped out prior to every game against them even when they dont .They're very big very fast men playing a full contact sport. Of course its going to get messy and people will be hurt you just get on with it .

The reputation exists because it is a fact as you state yourself, "They're very big very fast men playing a full contact sport. Of course its going to get messy and people will be hurt", you can call it a cliche but facts are facts.

Wales are going also going to put 15 men on the field . Like i said if the Tongans want to play rough , pay them back in kind instead of asking for ref protection before a ball has even been kicked. The only time they should be telling the ref to keep an eye on things is during the game otherwise its insulting to insinuate the Tongans are dirty before a game in order to influence the ref

I dont agree with your concept of "an eye for an eye" as the way to deal with the situation.

The recent game vs France the Tongans played some great rugby but the match was marred by two red cards for fighting and in the italy vs Fiji match an italian player having to have his spleen removed. Maybe both situations and various other un-necesary acts of violence, that are not within the parameters of the Laws of rugby union, could have been addressed pre-match.

We want to watch rugby Union at its finest, ultimate cage fighting is a different sport.

I don't necessarily disagree with you but it's rather poor tact to bring up Luca Morisi's misfortune as an example. He was victim to a perfectly legal albeit thundering tackle. As bad an injury as it was it wasn't due to inadequate protection on the ref's part. And as far as big hits go the same or similar could happen tonight without it being due to anyone deviating from the rules, such is the nature of the game.

Edwards like any coach worth his salt is concerned for his players and simply stressing that he wants the ref to stick to his guns. If the Tongans feel insulted, it's up to them to prove him wrong and have the last word.

Fair enough the tackle is legal, but it is also physically damaging and that is the concern. Jonny Wilkinson famously lacerated a kidney in a front on tackle, Mike Tindal Ruptured his Liver in similar.

I read a while ago that when we are looking at international sport as a whole, 220 out of 1000 hours are lost to injury in rugby. In other heavy contact sports like American Football it is only 112 hours and Ice Hockey 80. Maybe we are doing something wrong in rugby.

Jeff Blackett once said that referees and citing officers are at fault for not taking sterner action when applying the laws.

"We are not applying the laws of the game or we are interpreting them too freely. If referees and citing officers applied the rules more rigidly, we may see a reduction of injuries at the breakdown.

"There is a balance between dynamism and safety, and I think it has gone too far in the wrong direction. In an effort to increase the attractiveness of the competition, we are in danger of damaging the game."

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

Knowsit17 wrote:It's rather poor tact to bring up Luca Morisi's misfortune as an example. He was victim to a perfectly legal albeit thundering tackle.

Heaven knows he's miserable now.

Just read that Morrisey Biography, a very "Charming Man".

You forgot the tumbleweed.

Maesteg, those facts are quite alarming. The injury toll is crazy these days.
Since they've tinkered with the scrum rules, for me the biggest threat to life is the 'clear out' at the ruck..
Players are flying into contact without binding, and someone is going to get killed soon.