Cardiff v Puff the magic dragon - Boxing Day

First topic message reminder :

Standing room only apparently. All seating sold.

Risca Rev wrote:

wales606 wrote:And Tovey flapping the ball out of mid-air with one hand when the Blues had a 3 man overlap.

Referee calls it as a Blues scrum and then gives the Dragons a penalty.

That was a yellow card for most refs, and a clear penalty

That's open to interpretation. I wouldn't say he deliberately batted the ball down. I think he genuinely tried to catch it. There's no law against catching one handed, whereas there is for binding on the arm and not being the correct distance from a penalty.

How did Valley's Rugby get on Steff?

There was absolutely no way he could have caught it,

Even if he could, when you do in one handed like that, a ref will call it deliberate pretty much every time

wales606 wrote:How did Valley's Rugby get on Steff?

Yeah not bad we beat Cardiff 'B' at the Arms Park

Carmarthen Quins on the weekend. OLE

wales606 wrote:And Tovey flapping the ball out of mid-air with one hand when the Blues had a 3 man overlap.

That's ridiculous. He's entitled to go for the ball, which he did. You wanna stop listening to jiffy if it's making you sound bonkers.

Watched from home as I had work to do. The worst part was the half-time talk/review/pratpad by Phil Davies. I'm guessing Scrum V as well as the Pro12 refereeing commission have both undergone budget cuts, as both are beyond poor at the moment.

Steffan wrote:

wales606 wrote:How did Valley's Rugby get on Steff?

Yeah not bad we beat Cardiff 'B' at the Arms Park

Carmarthen Quins on the weekend. OLE

Onwards & upwards. You know who always used to say that? Dale McIntosh.

The Saint wrote:

wales606 wrote:And Tovey flapping the ball out of mid-air with one hand when the Blues had a 3 man overlap.

That's ridiculous. He's entitled to go for the ball, which he did. You wanna stop listening to jiffy if it's making you sound bonkers.

Watched from home as I had work to do. The worst part was the half-time talk/review/pratpad by Phil Davies. I'm guessing Scrum V as well as the Pro12 refereeing commission have both undergone budget cuts, as both are beyond poor at the moment.

Nothing to do with Jiffy. If you go for a ball one handed and don't catch it, then you can expect to get penalised for a deliberate knock on. Based on seeing it happen dozens of times

wales606 wrote:

The Saint wrote:

wales606 wrote:And Tovey flapping the ball out of mid-air with one hand when the Blues had a 3 man overlap.

That's ridiculous. He's entitled to go for the ball, which he did. You wanna stop listening to jiffy if it's making you sound bonkers.

Watched from home as I had work to do. The worst part was the half-time talk/review/pratpad by Phil Davies. I'm guessing Scrum V as well as the Pro12 refereeing commission have both undergone budget cuts, as both are beyond poor at the moment.

Nothing to do with Jiffy. If you go for a ball one handed and don't catch it, then you can expect to get penalised for a deliberate knock on. Based on seeing it happen dozens of times

And another dozen times we've seen it doesn't get penalised for a deliberate knock-on. Everything to do with Jiffy, he had his blue socks on yet again. Love how that at the end of the match him and Martyn Williams were saying Blues were the better team because they're able to spend more on players, as opposed to being erm...the better team.

Personally I think that even though Cardiff have an endless pot of money they don't seem to spend that well. I'm sure the Pieman could bring in a few more world class players

I think you've missed Saint's point there slightly Steffan, but I agree that pies could spend more. It's a fine line though. I was thinking this the other day: Landman has undoubtedly been a find for the Dragons but unfortunately we seem to need to go through around 10 players (usually overseas) to find 1 gem: for Landman see Powell, Burton, Chaparro, Byrne (so far), Brew (second time round), the Edinburgh flanker who seemed to be awesome (sorry forgot his name, and it was last season I suppose). Looking back to players like Willis, etc. and it gets even worse!

How very Cardiff...
Cardiff City tonight live on BBC2 Wales - 3rd round FA Cup tie in a mostly empty CCS and the players wearing non-tradish club colours.

Cardiff Dave wrote:How very Cardiff...
Cardiff City tonight live on BBC2 Wales - 3rd round FA Cup tie in a mostly empty CCS and the players wearing non-tradish club colours.

Shame the Blues don t play on that pitch as it is wasted with Cardiff City rubbish football, they looked more like a park side, no wonder they are struggling the defenders are like cart horses.

glamorganalun wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:How very Cardiff...
Cardiff City tonight live on BBC2 Wales - 3rd round FA Cup tie in a mostly empty CCS and the players wearing non-tradish club colours.

Shame the Blues don t play on that pitch as it is wasted with Cardiff City rubbish football, they looked more like a park side, no wonder they are struggling the defenders are like cart horses.

No thanks. Out of town, very expensive and drafty.

Steffan wrote:

wales606 wrote:How did Valley's Rugby get on Steff?

Yeah not bad we beat Cardiff 'B' at the Arms Park

Carmarthen Quins on the weekend. OLE

Humberstone done well then?

http://www.cardiffblues.com/rugby/first_team_squad.php?player=98603&includeref=dynamic

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:

wales606 wrote:How did Valley's Rugby get on Steff?

Yeah not bad we beat Cardiff 'B' at the Arms Park

Carmarthen Quins on the weekend. OLE

Humberstone done well then?

http://www.cardiffblues.com/rugby/first_team_squad.php?player=98603&includeref=dynamic

Yep. Although he needs to make his mind up which club he wants to play for

Steffan wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:

wales606 wrote:How did Valley's Rugby get on Steff?

Yeah not bad we beat Cardiff 'B' at the Arms Park

Carmarthen Quins on the weekend. OLE

Humberstone done well then?

http://www.cardiffblues.com/rugby/first_team_squad.php?player=98603&includeref=dynamic

Yep. Although he needs to make his mind up which club he wants to play for

Can't tell who's playing for who these days. Very confusing and very bonkers.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:

wales606 wrote:How did Valley's Rugby get on Steff?

Yeah not bad we beat Cardiff 'B' at the Arms Park

Carmarthen Quins on the weekend. OLE

Humberstone done well then?

http://www.cardiffblues.com/rugby/first_team_squad.php?player=98603&includeref=dynamic

Yep. Although he needs to make his mind up which club he wants to play for

Can't tell who's playing for who these days. Very confusing and very bonkers.

This is why the club scene should be in the summer like NZ do. Everyone is getting messed about because the pro-clubs don't seem to able to make up their mind on who they want and who they don't want. It's not fair on the fringe players or the backroom staff of the semi-pro clubs

That's just my opinion though and I'm sure the usual internet bully boys on here will disagree with me and use personal insults and tedious jokes about Valleys Rugby to 'back up' their point

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:

wales606 wrote:How did Valley's Rugby get on Steff?

Yeah not bad we beat Cardiff 'B' at the Arms Park

Carmarthen Quins on the weekend. OLE

Humberstone done well then?

http://www.cardiffblues.com/rugby/first_team_squad.php?player=98603&includeref=dynamic

Yep. Although he needs to make his mind up which club he wants to play for

Can't tell who's paying for what these days. Very confusing and very bonkers.

Fixed.
Meh!

Steffan wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:

wales606 wrote:How did Valley's Rugby get on Steff?

Yeah not bad we beat Cardiff 'B' at the Arms Park

Carmarthen Quins on the weekend. OLE

Humberstone done well then?

http://www.cardiffblues.com/rugby/first_team_squad.php?player=98603&includeref=dynamic

Yep. Although he needs to make his mind up which club he wants to play for

Can't tell who's playing for who these days. Very confusing and very bonkers.

This is why the club scene should be in the summer like NZ do. Everyone is getting messed about because the pro-clubs don't seem to able to make up their mind on who they want and who they don't want. It's not fair on the fringe players or the backroom staff of the semi-pro clubs

That's just my opinion though and I'm sure the usual internet bully boys on here will disagree with me and use personal insults and tedious jokes about Valleys Rugby to 'back up' their point

You got Newport Gwent Dragons...we go under the name Pontypridd Valleys Rugby. Its all real

Steffan wrote:You got Newport Gwent Dragons...we go under the name Pontypridd Valleys Rugby. Its all real

Oh no, not another rebrand.
Pontypridd RFC sounds far better and everyone knows the name which is good.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:You got Newport Gwent Dragons...we go under the name Pontypridd Valleys Rugby. Its all real

Oh no, not another rebrand.
Pontypridd RFC sounds far better and everyone knows the name which is good.

Yep. Being as real geographic regions are clearly never going to happen in Wales I'm joining the 'Justice for Ponty' club now. I've even got a business plan ready but it's still a secret at the moment

This is why geographical regions wont work as rugby clubs in wales

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/Wales_Administrative_Map_2009.png/640px-Wales_Administrative_Map_2009.png

So they have 2 choices. Make them up, which they have done, or simplify it

http://www.welshcaravanparks.com/images/map-of-wales.jpg

Steffan wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:You got Newport Gwent Dragons...we go under the name Pontypridd Valleys Rugby. Its all real

Oh no, not another rebrand.
Pontypridd RFC sounds far better and everyone knows the name which is good.

Yep. Being as real geographic regions are clearly never going to happen in Wales I'm joining the 'Justice for Ponty' club now. I've even got a business plan ready but it's still a secret at the moment

I'm shocked and stunned. No, not really.
Good luck with your secret plan btw. Hope it's a cunning one.

IronMike wrote:This is why geographical regions wont work as rugby clubs in wales

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/Wales_Administrative_Map_2009.png/640px-Wales_Administrative_Map_2009.png

So they have 2 choices. Make them up, which they have done, or simplify it

http://www.welshcaravanparks.com/images/map-of-wales.jpg

I doubt they will ever have any changes now. I don't really see how they can. The four stadiums we have now are the best suited and the only one that could maybe come in is RGC, but then they aren't doing as well as maybe they hoped in the Championship (and aren't going to get the chance to for a while with Bargoed unable to go up).

Steffan wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:You got Newport Gwent Dragons...we go under the name Pontypridd Valleys Rugby. Its all real

Oh no, not another rebrand.
Pontypridd RFC sounds far better and everyone knows the name which is good.

Yep. Being as real geographic regions are clearly never going to happen in Wales I'm joining the 'Justice for Ponty' club now. I've even got a business plan ready but it's still a secret at the moment

We could end up with Newport being relegated to joint Swansea, great to see Ebbw challenging at the top of the tables having been promoted, they have demonstrated promotion and relagation works. The Draqons prove no relegation breeds failure.

glamorganalun wrote:

Steffan wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:You got Newport Gwent Dragons...we go under the name Pontypridd Valleys Rugby. Its all real

Oh no, not another rebrand.
Pontypridd RFC sounds far better and everyone knows the name which is good.

Yep. Being as real geographic regions are clearly never going to happen in Wales I'm joining the 'Justice for Ponty' club now. I've even got a business plan ready but it's still a secret at the moment

We could end up with Newport being relegated to joint Swansea, great to see Ebbw challenging at the top of the tables having been promoted, they have demonstrated promotion and relagation works. The Draqons prove no relegation breeds failure.

That's just being daft. There's a huge difference between playing at a semi pro level and playing on a constant basis at a professional level.

Also, you're showing your ignorance further here as Bargoed can't be promoted, so Newport can't be relegated. Pretty basic stuff.

glamorganalun wrote:

Steffan wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:You got Newport Gwent Dragons...we go under the name Pontypridd Valleys Rugby. Its all real

Oh no, not another rebrand.
Pontypridd RFC sounds far better and everyone knows the name which is good.

Yep. Being as real geographic regions are clearly never going to happen in Wales I'm joining the 'Justice for Ponty' club now. I've even got a business plan ready but it's still a secret at the moment

We could end up with Newport being relegated to joint Swansea, great to see Ebbw challenging at the top of the tables having been promoted, they have demonstrated promotion and relagation works. The Draqons prove no relegation breeds failure.

No relegation breeds failure?! Leinster also play in a league with no relegation but I'd hardly call them failures you buffoon.

If it does prove it, I don't see how we're the example used. We haven't even finished last in the league.

The Saint wrote:If it does prove it, I don't see how we're the example used. We haven't even finished last in the league.

I am talking about Welsh rugby, being propped up by Italian teams is not mý idea of progress after 10 years near the bottom. It is hardly a shock Lydiate did not rejoin a failing club with no future of success during his career.

Risca Rev wrote:

glamorganalun wrote:

Steffan wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:You got Newport Gwent Dragons...we go under the name Pontypridd Valleys Rugby. Its all real

Oh no, not another rebrand.
Pontypridd RFC sounds far better and everyone knows the name which is good.

Yep. Being as real geographic regions are clearly never going to happen in Wales I'm joining the 'Justice for Ponty' club now. I've even got a business plan ready but it's still a secret at the moment

We could end up with Newport being relegated to joint Swansea, great to see Ebbw challenging at the top of the tables having been promoted, they have demonstrated promotion and relagation works. The Draqons prove no relegation breeds failure.

That's just being daft. There's a huge difference between playing at a semi pro level and playing on a constant basis at a professional level.

Also, you're showing your ignorance further here as Bargoed can't be promoted, so Newport can't be relegated. Pretty basic stuff.

This shows your lack of imagination, look at London Welsh they shared a better facility with another club if they have ambition to play at the next level.

glamorganalun wrote:

The Saint wrote:If it does prove it, I don't see how we're the example used. We haven't even finished last in the league.

I am talking about Welsh rugby, being propped up by Italian teams is not mý idea of  progress after 10 years near the bottom. It is hardly a shock Lydiate did not rejoin a failing club with no future of success during his career.

This doesn't make sense but okay... But point stands, as before the Italians entered the league we were propped up by Connacht . Connacht have improved since, I guess investment has something to do with it.

So which club do you think they should ground share with? Sounds like more nonsense.

Has Lydiate's career finished? The way you've posted suggests it has. Also your hatred of the Dragons is too obvious. You're quite happy to stick the boot into them for languishing near the bottom, but your solution is to replace them with a semi pro team.

The Saint wrote:

glamorganalun wrote:

The Saint wrote:If it does prove it, I don't see how we're the example used. We haven't even finished last in the league.

I am talking about Welsh rugby, being propped up by Italian teams is not mý idea of  progress after 10 years near the bottom. It is hardly a shock Lydiate did not rejoin a failing club with no future of success during his career.

This doesn't make sense but okay... But point stands, as before the Italians entered the league we were propped up by Connacht . Connacht have improved since, I guess investment has something to do with it.

Saint, this is not a dig, now that your ex CEO is now head honcho at the WRU don't you think it is about time that something is done about the WRU having 50% of the shares in your business and yet not contributing ANYTHING to the finances, above and beyond what the other Regions get through the new agreement.
With Gareth in such a position of authority he should be able to do something, and with PRL having so much influence at the moment, they would surely be able to help.
It surely cannot continue for say the next 10 years with you the bottom Welsh Region for the majority of those years, as the other Regions are prepared to invest their own money for players.

wayne wrote:

The Saint wrote:

glamorganalun wrote:

The Saint wrote:If it does prove it, I don't see how we're the example used. We haven't even finished last in the league.

I am talking about Welsh rugby, being propped up by Italian teams is not mý idea of  progress after 10 years near the bottom. It is hardly a shock Lydiate did not rejoin a failing club with no future of success during his career.

This doesn't make sense but okay... But point stands, as before the Italians entered the league we were propped up by Connacht . Connacht have improved since, I guess investment has something to do with it.

Saint, this is not a dig, now that your ex CEO is now head honcho at the WRU don't you think it is about time that something is done about the WRU having 50% of the shares in your business and yet not contributing ANYTHING to the finances, above and beyond what the other Regions get through the new agreement.
With Gareth in such a position of authority he should be able to do something, and with PRL having so much influence at the moment, they would surely be able to help.
It surely cannot continue for say the next 10 years with you the bottom Welsh Region for the majority of those years, as the other Regions are prepared to invest their own money for players.  

Fair point(s).

The Saint wrote:

glamorganalun wrote:

The Saint wrote:If it does prove it, I don't see how we're the example used. We haven't even finished last in the league.

I am talking about Welsh rugby, being propped up by Italian teams is not mý idea of  progress after 10 years near the bottom. It is hardly a shock Lydiate did not rejoin a failing club with no future of success during his career.

This doesn't make sense but okay... But point stands, as before the Italians entered the league we were propped up by Connacht . Connacht have improved since, I guess investment has something to do with it.

Yep. Bout time somebody pumped some cash into the Drags.

The WRU are only holding the 50%, they aren't 50% owners so they obviously wouldn't contribute anything.

The Dragons board is finally starting to spend a bit, but I also don't blame them for living within their means. Apparently we are going to make two big signings (according to Robin Davey I think), which judging by the relative success of Brok Harris and especially Rynard Landman I think we might pick up a couple more SA players (seeing as Davey has made a point of emphasising how we are comfortably under our NWQ limit too).

Risca Rev wrote:The WRU are only holding the 50%, they aren't 50% owners so they obviously wouldn't contribute anything.

The Dragons board is finally starting to spend a bit, but I also don't blame them for living within their means. Apparently we are going to make two big signings (according to Robin Davey I think), which judging by the relative success of Brok Harris and especially Rynard Landman I think we might pick up a couple more SA players (seeing as Davey has made a point of emphasising how we are comfortably under our NWQ limit too).

Like a Teichmann or a Percy?

Nah, super rugby level at best.

Risca Rev wrote:The WRU are only holding the 50%, they aren't 50% owners so they obviously wouldn't contribute anything.

The Dragons board is finally starting to spend a bit, but I also don't blame them for living within their means. Apparently we are going to make two big signings (according to Robin Davey I think), which judging by the relative success of Brok Harris and especially Rynard Landman I think we might pick up a couple more SA players (seeing as Davey has made a point of emphasising how we are comfortably under our NWQ limit too).

Rev, I was under the impression, that the Russell 50% ownership was GIVEN to the WRU for a nominal amount £1, and that the Dragons board would not spend money on players as the WRU would not contribute, even though they spent money on infrastructure (stand), living within your means is an honourable concept and I totally agree with it, yet your board I would say is definately worth more than ours, between Mathews, Brown and Hazell, it is wallowing in the green stuff, ours are a property company, with nowhere near their collateral, as for getting in SAs you do realise you can only get in a few, and they really have to be a decent standard who will regularly play in your first team and yes by the looks of it those 2 are of the right standard.

glamorganalun wrote:

Steffan wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

Steffan wrote:You got Newport Gwent Dragons...we go under the name Pontypridd Valleys Rugby. Its all real

Oh no, not another rebrand.
Pontypridd RFC sounds far better and everyone knows the name which is good.

Yep. Being as real geographic regions are clearly never going to happen in Wales I'm joining the 'Justice for Ponty' club now. I've even got a business plan ready but it's still a secret at the moment

We could end up with Newport being relegated to joint Swansea, great to see Ebbw challenging at the top of the tables having been promoted, they have demonstrated promotion and relagation works. The Draqons prove no relegation breeds failure.

Yeah, but the Welsh prem is a bit of a horlicks isn't it? That is, some clubs get allocated regional players for nowt, some more than others and I bet some get none at all.

Dylan Matthews isn't anything to do with Dragons, is he? I thought he was only there in an advisory role and they aren't putting money into it.

I know we will only get in one or two SA players (if any). The only reason I assume we will, is now we have two on board they can obviously play a part in enticing some more.

Risca Rev wrote:Dylan Matthews isn't anything to do with Dragons, is he? I thought he was only there in an advisory role and they aren't putting money into it.

I know we will only get in one or two SA players (if any). The only reason I assume we will, is now we have two on board they can obviously play a part in enticing some more.

Rev, from what I can see you have 6 NWQ players in your squad, 5 of which are props Fairbrother, Harris, Stankovich, Way and Young, the only non prop is Landman, are any of them time servers, because if they are not it cuts down on who you can then sign.
We have Ardron, Arhip, Bernardo, Hassler, Matavesi, Natoga and Steenkamp, the 2 2nd rows are time servers there are 3 backs and 4 forwards, Ardron has played in the 2nd row and 6 and 8 for us, Arhip when he came to us it was said he could play all front row positions, I've yet to see him hook, the others are specialists in one position, the talk around our place is that Natoga will be gone when his contract expires and also forgot we had special dispensation to sign the Fijian because of Steenkamps injury. IMO you need a smattering of players who can play all over the park, not confined to one position mainly.
IIRC it was Stone who said that Mathews was a director a long time ago (don't ask for a link).

Fairbrother is WQ. I think Dan Way has now probably qualified through residency too.

I am pretty sure that Matthews came in to help the marketing and is not funding at all, but am happy to be proved wrong.

Risca Rev wrote:Fairbrother is WQ. I think Dan Way has now probably qualified through residency too.

I am pretty sure that Matthews came in to help the marketing and is not funding at all, but am happy to be proved wrong.

Rev, no I could be wrong, I think it was around the time of the One True Region debate and Stone was up on his horse, my marbles could well be waning, good that at least those 2 are welsh qualified, IMO these new signings need to be either outside of the pack or at least not in the front row and could be cover for players that are called up for TW.

The Saint wrote:

glamorganalun wrote:

The Saint wrote:If it does prove it, I don't see how we're the example used. We haven't even finished last in the league.

I am talking about Welsh rugby, being propped up by Italian teams is not mý idea of  progress after 10 years near the bottom. It is hardly a shock Lydiate did not rejoin a failing club with no future of success during his career.

This doesn't make sense but okay... But point stands, as before the Italians entered the league we were propped up by Connacht . Connacht have improved since, I guess investment has something to do with it.

Correct, investment and ambition is what is lacking, the Dragons have inproved in this area the last year or so bringing in top coaches but they are hampered by the lack of backing/funding.

glamorganalun wrote:

The Saint wrote:

glamorganalun wrote:

The Saint wrote:If it does prove it, I don't see how we're the example used. We haven't even finished last in the league.

I am talking about Welsh rugby, being propped up by Italian teams is not mý idea of  progress after 10 years near the bottom. It is hardly a shock Lydiate did not rejoin a failing club with no future of success during his career.

This doesn't make sense but okay... But point stands, as before the Italians entered the league we were propped up by Connacht . Connacht have improved since, I guess investment has something to do with it.

Correct, investment and ambition is what is lacking, the Dragons have inproved in this area the last year or so bringing in top coaches but they are hampered by the lack of backing/funding.

Alun, this is where we (ospreys) do very well, you only need to look at our shirts to see the number of sponsors we have, and when the BT deal was signed, even though the Arms Park has BT in the title, some of the teams have BT on both their shirts home and away, we only have it on one of our shirts, yet the money from BT is shared equally, our away shirt has a financial company as its main logo OSTC I think and we get paid extra for this, in the last financial year that records are for we still have sold over double the number of shirts of the other Regions combined, marketing wise we have done very well

Some Dragons supporters would say we don't have top coaches. Personally, I am happy with Kingsley (as our forwards are improving), but not so much Lyn. I think it's Lyn's fault we have no backs coach and I also blame him for the kicking game.

Risca Rev wrote:Some Dragons supporters would say we don't have top coaches. Personally, I am happy with Kingsley (as our forwards are improving), but not so much Lyn. I think it's Lyn's fault we have no backs coach and I also blame him for the kicking game.

I agree and have been disappointed by Lyn this season. In the past we have usually been able to attack when we have had the opportunities but our forwards have let us down.

Now this season we seem to be holding our own up front but its the backs that have been poor, I know pre season there were rumours linking Howarth as our attack coach, for me that would have been a great move but seemd to be just rumours.

If & it's a big if,the Dragons backers were to want to put MORE money in (as they already do) they collectively are as wealthy as any of the regions.Dylan is on the board advising on the marketing of the Bisley & i have seen job adverts for work at RP where you apply to the Celtic Manor.
Wicked rumour doing the rounds a while back that Taulupe wages were CM funded - don't think so myself though.

Interesting to read about the two CM points Dragon ta. I doubt the second one too, but a good rumour nonetheless.

Risca Rev wrote:Interesting to read about the two CM points Dragon ta. I doubt the second one too, but a good rumour nonetheless.

I think i might have made it up - only kiddin!