The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub

First topic message reminder :

Welcome to the virtual rugby pub - a place where you can come in for a sly beverage and discuss whatever's on your mind, or just eavesdrop on the regulars if you fancy a break from all the rugby chat.

The only rule in this pub is one of mutual respect for everyone in it, oh and no defacing the Tommy Bowe photo on the bar. That's a banning offence

So pull up a chair....what'll it be?

Notch wrote: It's about clever rotation.

The core of the first team has to play every game.

Not in the warm ups Glas, I'd be happy to have 6-7 of the first team play each game and see how competitive the rest are. If they perform it puts the pressure on the first team and they raise their game, if they don't at least we know where we stand

Afternoon all. Rain's stopped here so hopefully Hughie's staying dry orver at Wembley (I'm only a couple of miles from there in a straight line.

Looks like it's the Antipodes' turn to have fun with an ash-cloud. It's a long way across the Pacific from Chile too.

Oh and on.another note, I reckon we should have sent a team to the Churchill cup

Glas a du wrote:

Notch wrote: It's about clever rotation.

The core of the first team has to play every game.

No, part of the core of the first team has to play every game. If you are going to play the first choice tight five, experiment in the backrow. If you change the halfbacks around keep the centres and back three the same etc. And in the last match, pick your best team. We have three games to look at things.

Isn't that huge Tongan lump Timini (sp?) off to the Scarlets next season?

Sometimes all thats needed is a change of ref This Tongan front row take no prisoners.

Glas a du wrote:

Notch wrote: It's about clever rotation.

The core of the first team has to play every game.

With some positions - we have no choice Glas. Either of DOC/POC/Cullen. Either of Sexton or ROG. And he NEVER messes with the centres. But I'd like to see McFadden tried there vs Scotland and Connacht. Court needs game time too. I cant believe he actually might have to bring John Hayes. Its laughable, but may be necessary. Id bring him before Horan though. And pray we dont have to use him. That has to be sorted out post WC.

That penalty try was called quickly

England looking good here.

Cymro: that's the issue with the scrum, different refs have so many different interpretations when half the time they don't know what's going on, if fit some ex front rowers would be good at that point to spot the tricks

That's Poite for you Cymro. He's pretty unforgiving on scrum offences. A bit harsh on Tonga, agreed.

These Tongans are biiig boys. Great ball retention. Aaah.

hughie1986 wrote:Clever rotation, your dead right notch,

Try out combinations that are likely to actually happen, rather than just playing lads for the sake of it. Boss Sexton McFadden or Reddan OGara Darcy for example.

Get these players gelling together and see what happens

I don't think we are likely to see McFadden in the centre (his defense was exposed a bit against Munster in the Magner's final). D'Arcy gets a lot of stick, but his defense is very solid. And I'd suspect that Luke Fitz would be put there ahead of him because of that aspect of his game.

For the lesser games in the world cup I wouldn't be surprised to see a 13/12 combo of Earls & Fitz. with either Trimble or McFadden on the wing.

One reason why Conor Murray won't be going to the RWC will be because of a lack of game time with both Heaslip & Sexton.

England's defence is looking very good

Gosh, Poite is giving no quarter

Howdi all - just popped on to check everyone is okay and to see if there has been any "issues" over the weekend.

Let me know if there are and I will sort

Think Matt Stevens may just have a point to prove

Shame the conditions aren't really conducive to running the ball today. England have looked sharp at times, but credit to Tonga for some very good defensive tackling when its been needed.

Hobo wrote:Howdi all - just popped on to check everyone is okay and to see if there has been any "issues" over the weekend.

Let me know if there are and I will sort

Two of my posts have disappeared off page 13.

Well done Tonga.

I wasn't in the country for the Barbarians match, how did Carl Fearns get on? Might we see him come into the Saxons squad for Narraway now he is out for the tournament?

We've only got one 4 backrowers at present, and given his struggles with injury this season, not sure Crane should be playing every match. I know Gibson can play at 8, but he prefers the flank doesn't he?

Notch wrote:

Glas a du wrote:

Notch wrote: It's about clever rotation.

The core of the first team has to play every game.

No, part of the core of the first team has to play every game. If you are going to play the first choice tight five, experiment in the backrow. If you change the halfbacks around keep the centres and back three the same etc. And in the last match, pick your best team. We have three games to look at things.

Couldn't agree more. I would like to see Johnson try out different combinations in both the Wales' games, then pick the strongest team for Ireland away, the team he expects to open the World Cup campaign. All in all I wouldn't like to see more than 35 players used in the 3 games, even if we do pick a bigger training squad.

Just seen some of their props wearing cowboy hats in the stand.

I've never seen three penalty tries in a game before. This 2nd half has not been good to watch

I'm trying to work out if England are brilliant or are Tonga simply dreadful somewhere in the middle should be about right

The_Hound_of_Harrow wrote:Isn't that huge Tongan lump Timini (sp?) off to the Scarlets next season?

Hound, if he's a 2nd row player then aye he's supposed to be, been heavily rumoured, and Nigel Davies watched him play in Tongas match against USA. He's been playing for Carmarthen Quins all last season. Can't rememeber how to spell his name though, Timani or something like that

My Grandparents have just left after sprining a surprise visit on us, twas v v lovely to see them.

3 hours now until I have to get a train back to Cardiff, not looking forward to just leaving the house to get to the car, the weather here is disgusting!

Good try England, thought Crane had glummed it but good kick into space.

Finally, a try from a back

For a side that uses the Haka they get pushed back rather easily I expected them to be far more physical 17th place in the world rankings is about right for them.

Yeah dreamer. It's Timani.

Jeez, what a depressing day weather wise. And a long slog home in it to come

Sione Timani. A big, strong guy. If he can keep up with the pace of the ML and the way the Scarlets play he'll be a very good signing.

He is only 24 http://www.irb.com/pacificnationscup/teams/team=-1/player=30603/index.html

He needs a full pre-season I reckon, he's no where near the level fitness wise that he should be for ML. Still he could be the bit of grunt up front that we've been looking for.

Yes, that would be my concern as well dreamer. You should be patient; it may well take him some time to adapt. Not just pre-season, but the first few weeks of the season as well.

Hey there folks. How's everyone?

I am just back from my staycation. And it was so needed. Swam most days either in the sea or local swimming pool.

I wish I wasn't back in work tomorrow but guess has to happen.

Have I missed much!?

You missed me but your aim is getting better.

Notch - oh yeah definitely it'll take him a while. Tis a step up for him from the welsh premiership to the Pro12 (I keep wanting to type Magners!). That is if he doesn't go to the WC (which I don't really think he will). I'll be very interested to see if we do confirm that we've signed him, and to see how he goes. Think he's definitely a player our supporters can get behind though, which is good.

MickyT - I know what you mean about going to work tomorrow! How was your break apart from all the swimmig? Hope you had a lovely time

rugbydreamer wrote:Notch - oh yeah definitely it'll take him a while. Tis a step up for him from the welsh premiership to the Pro12 (I keep wanting to type Magners!). That is if he doesn't go to the WC (which I don't really think he will). I'll be very interested to see if we do confirm that we've signed him, and to see how he goes. Think he's definitely a player our supporters can get behind though, which is good.

MickyT - I know what you mean about going to work tomorrow! How was your break apart from all the swimmig? Hope you had a lovely time

So relaxing dreamer. Plenty of naps. A few games of golf. Some bowling. Cinema among other things so just needed.

Cymro I'll aim better next time

He would be the sort of player that would be valuable in setting up a North Wales region

ah nice one Micky that sounds ace

Re Timani. Yes, it took Stan Wright a full season to really show what he had. And man, did he show up for us after that. Scarlets really need that grunt and power up-front. Hope he works out for them.

Hi MickyT. Good break yunfella? Rested and ready for the fray?

Dont know if you saw it, but, Ireland gave England U20's a good run for their money on Friday night. Conway & Macken played. Could have won it in the end - but lost due to inexperience at the end. England were the stronger team though.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ruddock-proud-of-irish-spirit-in-battling-defeat-2672230.html

Ye gibbo just what was needed so all good.

I actually did see the match. Paul mc has sky digital down in his mobile so I made my way up there from time to time when sport needed watching.



I'm supposed to be in band practice until 9 so I'll have to hope rain keeps getting bad and I'll get to watch the saffer game.

Yes don't have the trombone pointing upward in the rain drowning could be a issue.

oh wow, my brother's just sent me this link for a new restaurant opening in Llanelli. I officially can not wait to go to this one!

Two of the directors are Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel!

http://www.sosbanrestaurant.com/2011/05/ten-frequently-asked-questions-about-sosban-2/

Cymro,
Micky plays the Tuba. Probably plays the trombone as well mind.

Actually... dont they have covers for that kinda thing Micky? For the rain like?

rugbydreamer wrote:oh wow, my brother's just sent me this link for a new restaurant opening in Llanelli. I officially can not wait to go to this one!

Two of the directors are Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel!

http://www.sosbanrestaurant.com/2011/05/ten-frequently-asked-questions-about-sosban-2

Aha! Dreamer will be drooling. But not just over the food - if the directors happen to come in.

Bit afraid for Russia here.

Done my homework. Made a lot harder work of it, but it's done.

A well earned few hours on FIFA, before I go back to no Internet and the joys of police dogs barking all frigging night.

This is the instrument I play. (apologies for long link)

http://www.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ultimate-tuba.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/contra.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ultimate-tuba.com/%3Fp%3D213&usg=__2oDkWo2ytwo6ukgYhi119SwpyY0=&h=1063&w=747&sz=84&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=AqvCNGpBvV0WgM:&tbnh=176&tbnw=120&ei=M-L0TcnKN4bFtAaIm52XBg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dforward%2Bfacing%2Btuba%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D981%26bih%3D661%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=768&vpy=-45&dur=2843&hovh=268&hovw=188&tx=45&ty=410&page=1&ndsp=14&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0&biw=981&bih=661

Gibbo there would be covers etc and to be honest rain doesn't do it any harm. It's more because we do a very fast show which makes it slippy on the grass.