The Official Rugby Thread - All Things Rugby

[Locke]

Well, seeing as how I get (robbed blind by paying for) SN World and they've been playing European Championship Rugby and its been awesome to watch I figured we should have an all-purpose Rugby thread.

I really enjoy watching and I'm gradually working my up to picking a team to support but I'm really in the dark.

I watched the Wasps pound Toulon this weekend which was a great game.

Post your Rugby commentary here.

Although I understand that our friends and fans 'down under' get totally different coverage than we do, please talk about your favourite teams and how they're doing. This is the all-inclusive Rugby thread!

[Party Elephant]

Hey Locke, glad you started this thread. Might I suggest supporting my Highlanders? They are kind of the plucky little guy team in NZ rugby, and are just coming off their first championship, a remarkable turnaround after being last place with only two wins just two seasons prior. The current squad features All Blacks Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Waisake Naholo, and Lima Sopoaga. Sopoaga wasn't on the world cup squad, having just earned his first international cap this year against South Africa, but he will be one to watch in the future. He was instrumental in their championship win as his kicking was lights out all season. He also scored 12 points in his first test match. In my opinion (and most Highlanders fans') he should have been selected over Colin Slade, but you can't really fault the selections too much when you win the world cup. The squad also features Japan's Fumiaki Tanaka, the first Japanese player in Super Rugby.

I say they are the plucky little guy team because Dunedin, where they play most of their home games, is a small city of just over 100 000 in the far south, far removed from the civilised world. Invercargill, which gets one token match per season, is even smaller and farther removed. Being from North America it's hard to fathom a city/region that small having a top flight professional sports team! You might remember their main home stadium, Forsyth Barr Stadium, from the Flames arena/stadium thread as some posters here mentioned it as a comparable to the CalgaryNext fieldhouse. It was built for the 2011 world cup and is the source of regular criticism in my region still to this day, and probably for many years to come. Dunedin is a fairly old and run down city with plenty of economic struggles so naturally a brand new stadium with lots of public money poured into it was very controversial.

Anyways, the season starts in February, so a bit of a wait. At that time of year NZ and Calgary are only four hours apart (plus a day) so if you don't mind staying up late you can catch plenty of games which are only played on the weekend. Of course with Super Rugby games are all over the place so when teams are doing their South Africa tour they're on at mid-morning.

Looking forward to talking rugby in here!

[FireGilbert]

Hey Locke, glad you started this thread. Might I suggest supporting my Highlanders?...
Looking forward to talking rugby in here!

+1 The Highlanders have the underdog factor with a cool stadium and unis. Also Reds vs Highlanders 2010 was likely the most exciting game I ever been to and one that cemented me as a rugby fan.

[Slava]

Unfortunately I don't think that we get Super Rugby on SN World. (World is a bit of a misnomer, it more like SN Europe)

I watch a little bit of the European Championship also being a newly conned SN World subscriber. I don't have a team there but kind of lean towards Ospreys a little because Canada captain Tyler Ardron plays there. I really don't care one way or the other though. In Super Rugby I always liked the Crusaders because they were so good years ago with Andrew Mehrtens.

[undercoverbrother]

A Rugby thread, Huzzah!



Locke, I don't have team suggestions, rather I have competition suggestions.

I am a big fan of the ITM Cup. It runs, IIRC, August-November, in New Zealand. It is the evolved old Provincial Competition. It is the Currie Cup and NRC of NZ. In short, it is a step below Super Rugby. The thing that makes ITM rugby good, is these guys are all playing for a contract on the Super teams. They are much more inclined to "have a go" than take the safe option. Party Elephant, most likely has an opinion, but for me this is where the most exciting rugby is being played (anywhere actually). In most ITM games, when presented with a safe & adventurous option, the player will most likely take the adventurous option to show their skills.

I don't have a favorite team per se, usually I just cheer for hard running rugby.


In the North I am not a fan of the Premiership. It really is too much bosh, it is very akin to League IMO. I do enjoy the Top 14 (France) which has plenty of Bosh and skill.

If you want a team to cheer for up North with Canadian connection, try the Scarlets out of Wales. They play in the Pro 12 and have Daniel Tailliferrer Hauman van der Merwe, aka DTH. He is a Canadian National 15 player and is a true excitement machine.

[Party Elephant]

Yep, ITM Cup is really entertaining for sure, best part is every part of NZ is represented so the smaller areas really get behind their teams. Also, during the ITM Cup teams compete for the Ranfurly Shield, which is basically like a boxing title belt. You have to defeat the current Shield holder on their home ground in order to take it from them, and when you win it you spend the next week touring around your region to all the small towns with it, Stanley Cup style. I went to a Ranfurly Shield defence a couple years ago in New Plymouth and the atmosphere was great. They had a parade down the main street before the game to show off the Shield. It has no effect on the overall standings or playoffs, but is a little bit of extra prestige in the competition.

More info here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranfurly_Shield

[Locke]

Yep, ITM Cup is really entertaining for sure, best part is every part of NZ is represented so the smaller areas really get behind their teams. Also, during the ITM Cup teams compete for the Ranfurly Shield, which is basically like a boxing title belt. You have to defeat the current Shield holder on their home ground in order to take it from them, and when you win it you spend the next week touring around your region to all the small towns with it, Stanley Cup style. I went to a Ranfurly Shield defence a couple years ago in New Plymouth and the atmosphere was great. They had a parade down the main street before the game to show off the Shield. It has no effect on the overall standings or playoffs, but is a little bit of extra prestige in the competition.

More info here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranfurly_Shield

That sounds freaking awesome!

Okay, I've got two more rugby matches PVR'd and in the pipe so I'm going to watch some of them.

As best I can tell this is basically Rugby's equivalent of the Champion's League? Can someone explain how this tournament works?

I like the discussion about the NZ Rugby tournaments but I need a little more clarification and then I have to find a way to watch some of those games.

[Slava]

Yeah, essentially Champions Cup is just like Champions League. The top finishers in Engand, France and Wales/Ireland/Scotland/Italy or something like that combine to form 20 teams.

[Locke]

Munster! Theres a name I recognize! Its also kind of funny!

I should mention from the other thread:

2MeuL3d0nlE

Watch this film.

And, non-Rugby related but as an interesting aside, the Legitimate and Genuine 'Most Interesting Man in the World!'

He undertook numerous expeditions and was the first person to visit both the North and South Poles by surface means and the first to completely cross Antarctica on foot. In May 2009, at the age of 65, he climbed to the summit of Mount Everest. According to the Guinness Book of World Records in 1984, he was the world's greatest living explorer.

In 2000 he attempted to walk solo and unsupported to the North Pole. The expedition failed when his sleds fell through weak ice and Fiennes was forced to pull them out by hand. He sustained severe frostbite to the tips of all the fingers on his left hand, forcing him to abandon the attempt. On returning home, his surgeon insisted the necrotic fingertips be retained for several months before amputation, to allow regrowth of the remaining healthy tissue. Impatient at the pain the dying fingertips caused, Fiennes cut them off himself with a fretsaw, just above where the blood and the soreness was.

Despite suffering from a heart attack and undergoing a double heart bypass operation just four months before, Fiennes joined Stroud again in 2003 to complete seven marathons in seven days on seven continents in the Land Rover 7x7x7 Challenge for the British Heart Foundation. "In retrospect I wouldn't have done it. I wouldn't do it again. It was Mike Stroud's idea"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranulph_Fiennes

Yeah...

[Party Elephant]

Munster! Theres a name I recognize! Its also kind of funny!

I should mention from the other thread:

2MeuL3d0nlE

Watch this film.

And, non-Rugby related but as an interesting aside, the Legitimate and Genuine 'Most Interesting Man in the World!'

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranulph_Fiennes

Yeah...
I tried to find this movie but no luck, granted I didn't look very hard. Where can I see it online?

[Locke]

I tried to find this movie but no luck, granted I didn't look very hard. Where can I see it online?

I ended up buying it through Itunes, but other than that I dont know.

[Slava]

I don't know which thread this belongs in (I think his death on here is in the RWC thread). At any rate, here are a number of All Blacks doing the haka as Jonah Lomu is carried into Eden Park.

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/buck-shelford-leads-umaga-kirwan-jeff-wilson-and-all-black-greats-in-haka-to-farewell-lomu.html

[Locke]

I don't know which thread this belongs in (I think his death on here is in the RWC thread). At any rate, here are a number of All Blacks doing the haka as Jonah Lomu is carried into Eden Park.

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/buck-shelford-leads-umaga-kirwan-jeff-wilson-and-all-black-greats-in-haka-to-farewell-lomu.html

I love the guys in suits doing it along with that one dude in a Hawaiian shirt with the 70s handlebar-pornstache.

[undercoverbrother]

This is a great eulogy by a guy that could play a bit.

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[undercoverbrother]

ouch.


do not open spoiler if you are weak stomach

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/pics-sa-prop-needs-40-stitches-20151130

Cape Town - South African prop Nicholas Schonert was on the receiving end of a nasty facial injury at Twickenham on Saturday.

Durban-born Schonert, 24, was playing for the Worcester Warriors in their 48-18 loss to Saracens.

Schonert was reportedly hit in the face by a stray boot, and he posted a picture to his Twitter account that was enough to put somebody off their dinner.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/8/d/q/7/5/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349. 18dpyd.png/1448827378331.jpg

[FireGilbert]

This is pretty funny. Pumas half back Tomas Cubelli was held up entering Australia to join the ACT Brumbies because his immigration form was filled out as "female".

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/argentina-halfback-tomas-cubelli-suffers-embarrassing-setback-before-finally-joining-the-brumbies/story-fni2fxyf-1227635724519

[undercoverbrother]

The ARC, America's Rugby Cup:

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/media/leagues/3817/graphics/arc3.jpg

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=92293

LANGFORD, British Columbia – Americas Rugby Championship has announced the dates and cities for the 2016 updated competition featuring six of North and South America's top-ranked international rugby union teams.

Initially agreed to between executive members of the respective unions under the guidance of the Pan American Rugby Association (PARA), the groundbreaking Americas Rugby Championship will provide Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the U.S., and Uruguay with five additional rankings tests annually.

"We are delighted to be able to announce the inaugural Americas Rugby Championship that will take place next year," PARA Chairman Agustín Pichot said. "This could not have happened without the hard work and cooperation of all six rugby unions involved.

Americas Rugby Championship | 2016 Competition Calendar
(Home v Away)

Round 1 – Weekend of Feb. 6 -7, 2016
Canada v Uruguay
USA v Argentina
Chile v Brazil

Round 2 – Weekend of Feb. 13 - 14, 2016
USA v Canada
Argentina v Chile
Brazil v Uruguay

Round 3 – Weekend of Feb. 20 -21, 2016
Canada v Brazil
USA v Chile
Uruguay v Argentina

Round 4 – Weekend of Feb. 27 - 28, 2016
Argentina v Canada
Brazil v USA
Chile v Uruguay

Round 5 – Weekend of March 5 - 6, 2016
Chile v Canada
Uruguay v USA
Brazil v Argentina

[FireGilbert]

^Cool. It is tough to get excited for Canada vs Chile or Brazil but a once a year game against Argentina is a big deal.

[Locke]

Any chance its on TV?

[undercoverbrother]

^Cool. It is tough to get excited for Canada vs Chile or Brazil but a once a year game against Argentina is a big deal.

I could totally get up for a Brazil v Canada Women's game, if you get my drift, wink wink nudge nudge.

[undercoverbrother]

Any chance its on TV?

Excellent question.

Maybe TSN, they are dying for content. I believe the RWC pulled good numbers.

I can ask my contacts at RC and find out.

[Party Elephant]

I'll do my best to catch that. I really enjoyed watching Canada's games at the world cup as there's a thrill to supporting an underdog side that I don't get from watching the All Blacks. Pretty much every New Zealand game I've seen over the 4 years I've lived here I just expect them to win and they usually do. But Canada vs Italy, now that was a tense and exciting game to watch, bummer we couldn't finish them off.

[Slava]

^Cool. It is tough to get excited for Canada vs Chile or Brazil but a once a year game against Argentina is a big deal.

I saw Canada play Chile here in Calgary about a decade ago (more more like 15 years ago!) and yeah, it was a little underwhelming. The most exciting part might have been trying to convince a teammate that he should streak.

Fun fact: in Europe they don't really care about streakers. In the Canada v. France game at RWC there were two drunken Canadians who thought it was a good idea. One ran the length of the field, circled back and until he hopped over the barricade and was almost out of the lower bowl, security just watched. Until they left the field though no one cared.

[FireGilbert]

I saw Canada play Chile here in Calgary about a decade ago (more more like 15 years ago!) and yeah, it was a little underwhelming. The most exciting part might have been trying to convince a teammate that he should streak.

Fun fact: in Europe they don't really care about streakers. In the Canada v. France game at RWC there were two drunken Canadians who thought it was a good idea. One ran the length of the field, circled back and until he hopped over the barricade and was almost out of the lower bowl, security just watched. Until they left the field though no one cared.

Haha, no harm no foul I guess. Not like this idiot who cost the Queenslanders a try in the 2013 State of Origin.

WIuQbxA4At8

[Locke]

I saw Canada play Chile here in Calgary about a decade ago (more more like 15 years ago!) and yeah, it was a little underwhelming. The most exciting part might have been trying to convince a teammate that he should streak.

Fun fact: in Europe they don't really care about streakers. In the Canada v. France game at RWC there were two drunken Canadians who thought it was a good idea. One ran the length of the field, circled back and until he hopped over the barricade and was almost out of the lower bowl, security just watched. Until they left the field though no one cared.

I remember in this world cup I was watching a Springboks match and this guy goes heavy into the ruck and I'm thinking to myself:

"He's wearing a Boks' jersey but hes also clearly wearing jeans and is somewhat heavy-set...."

[undercoverbrother]

It appears that Jonah may have died penniless.

http://news.sky.com/story/1605909/all-black-legend-jonah-lomu-died-penniless

fund has been created to help the children of Jonah Lomu after it emerged he died with almost no savings.

The New Zealand Rugby Players' Association has established the Jonah Lomu Legacy Trust to provide for the legendary winger's two sons, Brayley and Dhyreille.

Association chief executive Rob Nichol said Lomu's finances had not yet been disentangled, but "there's not going to be any great windfall".

"There's certainly nothing that's going to sustain any ongoing financial benefit for the family," he added.

[Locke]

What a game between Toulouse and Ulster, I like both teams but I'm leaning towards Toulouse. Not definitive yet, but how can you not love those jerseys?

[Locke]

Pacific Warriors is on Netflix now.

[undercoverbrother]

John Mitchell is back.

You either love him or hate him.

It will be interesting to see how he does. I am buddies with a business partner of his in SA. John does not suffer fools well.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/04/usa-rugby-all-blacks-coach-john-mitchell-eagles

The former All Blacks coach John Mitchell is the new head coach of the US Eagles, it was announced on Monday.

[Slava]

Looks like we are going to get a new coach for the mens national team: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/kieran-crowley-reportedly-resigns-as-canadian-rugby-coach/article28032832/?cmpid=rss1&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[undercoverbrother]

Looks like we are going to get a new coach for the mens national team: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/kieran-crowley-reportedly-resigns-as-canadian-rugby-coach/article28032832/?cmpid=rss1&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

haha, I was just coming to post this.


RC, what a joke of an organization.

[Party Elephant]

So what's the deal here? It says in the article he just agreed to a two year contract, now he bails?

(I have no idea how this stuff works)

[Slava]

So what's the deal here? It says in the article he just agreed to a two year contract, now he bails?

(I have no idea how this stuff works)

Yeah I guess he had been looking at a couple other contracts, then agreed to the two year extension. Then after that the club approached him with a formal offer, and he took that.

I think its a little weird, but he didn't really owe anything to Canada either. People have to do what they think is best for themselves, and I hope that we can find someone else who can move the program forward.

Its weird though. When I watched the club this past summer and fall they were just not doing things that seemed effective for the rest of the world. For example going into a ruck with no support. That seems like rugby 101 these days, but the Canadian team just wasn't doing it. The thing that makes it so bizarre is that talking to guys playing recreational rugby here in Calgary, they all do it and are taught that way now. So how in the world it doesn't happen at the national level is beyond me. (I'm referring to guy basically binding on to the player with the ball before he initiates contact by the way, in case you're not sure what I'm talking about). It seems like a minor little thing. Until you see a top tier club run the ball down the oppositions throat 4-5 phases in a row and pick up 20-30 metres doing so.

That and for a team full of sevens players who do well there, I expected a lot more creativity and offensive flair from the backs. Instead its basically "hands" every time. No loops or scissors or anything 99% of the time. Its not just that its predictable (it is), but those plays add to you getting overlaps and creating numbers wider out. I think some Canadians are reluctant to play that way because they don't want to look like showboats or something like that, but the reality is that these things open your opponents as well and keep them off balance defensively.

Anyway, I'm just a fan at this point, so what do I know. I hope that the program gets back to its growth and winning ways though.

[Locke]

Some good matches on today!

I'll try and catch the Munster and Ulster matches.

[Party Elephant]

This year promises to be very convoluted and gimmicky for Super Rugby:
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Since the Australasian group has two more teams than the South African group (which includes all three new franchises including the Japanese and Argentinian team), the Australasian group gets 5 playoff spots and South African group gets 3.

With the awkward setup there's no way to have a fair and balanced schedule and playoff structure, and I think the South African teams benefit the most here. The South African conference as a whole was pretty bad last year. If each conference leader didn't get an automatic playoff berth then South Africa would've had no teams in last year's playoffs (Crusaders got screwed!). So now with the expansion there is a pretty good chance that 3 South African teams make the playoffs having an easier schedule than the New Zealand and Australian teams. Hopefully the Sunwolves and Jaguares can stick it to them.

[Locke]

Watched the Ulster/Oyonnax match yesterday.

Ulster down 23-0 at half time and come back to win it 24-23.

[Slava]

Watched the Ulster/Oyonnax match yesterday.

Ulster down 23-0 at half time and come back to win it 24-23.

That is incredible! I would love to be in the room to see what the leadership was saying at the half. I would also like to be a fly in the wall for the post-game on the Oyonnax side of things.

[Locke]

That is incredible! I would love to be in the room to see what the leadership was saying at the half. I would also like to be a fly in the wall for the post-game on the Oyonnax side of things.

They kept panning to the Oyonnax coach on the sidelines. He was doing his best to hide.

[undercoverbrother]

Yeah I guess he had been looking at a couple other contracts, then agreed to the two year extension. Then after that the club approached him with a formal offer, and he took that.

I think its a little weird, but he didn't really owe anything to Canada either. People have to do what they think is best for themselves, and I hope that we can find someone else who can move the program forward.

My issue with it is why sign on if you have something else in the pipe. The coaching world at that level is tiny, and honesty in dealings can go a long way. "Canada, I am very interested in staying, but I have to be honest I am in discussion(s) with professional teams. I don't want to myself up, and it isn't fair to you if I extend right now. I should know in a few weeks".

Its weird though. When I watched the club this past summer and fall they were just not doing things that seemed effective for the rest of the world. For example going into a ruck with no support. That seems like rugby 101 these days, but the Canadian team just wasn't doing it. The thing that makes it so bizarre is that talking to guys playing recreational rugby here in Calgary, they all do it and are taught that way now. So how in the world it doesn't happen at the national level is beyond me. (I'm referring to guy basically binding on to the player with the ball before he initiates contact by the way, in case you're not sure what I'm talking about). It seems like a minor little thing. Until you see a top tier club run the ball down the oppositions throat 4-5 phases in a row and pick up 20-30 metres doing so.

I have thoughts on this. I still play, Div 3. One thing you have to remember is that locally there is (for the most part) parity between clubs. When you get to the International level there isn't. What that means is what the coach might be communicating this, but the disparity in talent/ability means they can't execute.

There is a little write up from a Canada Coach:

http://coach.ca/-worldcupweekly-with-rugby-canada-p158580&language=en#SEPTEMBER23

He points out two telling things:

The game has certainly moved from a contact sport to a collision sport.

At the highest level the game has changed. The ferocity of the contact isn't anywhere near what I or even Div 1 guys are doing locally.

By the end of that match against France, we were left with only 3 professional players on the field playing against the 6th best team in the world and runner-up in the last Rugby World Cup.

This is the rub, there just can't compete, at the same level. At times it is men with boys. That sounds harsh, but all the time they have playing at the highest level in Canada just does not exist.

That and for a team full of sevens players who do well there

I hate 7's, the skills are so different. While the basic individual skills are the same, the tactical skills both on attack and defense are very different.


I expected a lot more creativity and offensive flair from the backs. Instead its basically "hands" every time. No loops or scissors or anything 99% of the time. Its not just that its predictable (it is), but those plays add to you getting overlaps and creating numbers wider out. I think some Canadians are reluctant to play that way because they don't want to look like showboats or something like that, but the reality is that these things open your opponents as well and keep them off balance defensively.

Anyway, I'm just a fan at this point, so what do I know. I hope that the program gets back to its growth and winning ways though.

Again, your final point directly relates to the second point from Moff. While I am a fan of draw and pass (if done right it always works), the defense Canada faced was too well organized and responded to their own mistakes too well.


I must say i do enjoy the rugby talk.

[Slava]

I know that Canada as a squad just can't compete. I completely get that, and I recognize that to play against the best teams and compete you have to be playing top level talent consistently, which we just don't have in Canada. My point isn't that we should be winning pools and world cups though.

Instead what I am noting is that tactically and strategically we aren't in the same league. That's a significant difference. So when I say they should be tighter in their support going into a ruck, that's not really skill-dependent. Its strategy and positioning. Canada has excellent athletes playing for the mens club. Its not a question of them not being able to do this, but for some reason they just don't. Why else would that be? They could be doing it. Its not like its never been tried (all the top tier squads seem to be doing it). They just don't.

I agree with what you're saying about the backs and the other defence capitalizing on their miscues. I don't agree with you on 7's, but that could be because you're a forward! Its a different game, but there are excellent sevens players who can transition to 15's and be able to use some of those skills (in particular ball handling and open running). That's exactly what Canada needed in the back line...which is bizarre considering the number of 7's players in that line.

A bit more to the point of 7's being so vastly different is how different touch is to 7's or 15's. They're hardly the same game! But I you're awesome as a touch player, chances are you have some good skills to bring to the full contact game. If other players can hardly get a hand on you then an outright tackle becomes challenging. This is the kind of thing I would advocate for Canada; we have a smaller squad, but clearly good runners who are creative with the ball in hand. Use it.

And finally about the parity and things like that. (I'm kind of all over here and sorry for that), it's fine as an excuse against Ireland and France. Less so against Romania though and arguable against Italy. I'm not saying "run faster" or "kick the ball further" or things like that. Those are pure skill or athletic manoeuvres that are either there or aren't. But to say to a rugby player "bind onto the ball carrier when he goes into contact" isn't affected by parity. Its positional. If the argument is that players can't make it there because they're not fit, that's a different conversation, but we should see them doing this in the first half or more, and there should be an effort.

Like I say, I'm not an expert. I just love the game and noticed some things in watching the team play like crap for 2015.

[undercoverbrother]

I know that Canada as a squad just can't compete. I completely get that, and I recognize that to play against the best teams and compete you have to be playing top level talent consistently, which we just don't have in Canada. My point isn't that we should be winning pools and world cups though.

Instead what I am noting is that tactically and strategically we aren't in the same league. That's a significant difference. So when I say they should be tighter in their support going into a ruck, that's not really skill-dependent. Its strategy and positioning. Canada has excellent athletes playing for the mens club. Its not a question of them not being able to do this, but for some reason they just don't. Why else would that be? They could be doing it. Its not like its never been tried (all the top tier squads seem to be doing it). They just don't.

But rucking is a skill, body position, approach, counter rucking, all skills.

I agree with what you're saying about the backs and the other defence capitalizing on their miscues. I don't agree with you on 7's, but that could be because you're a forward!

Nice try, 27 years of playing and always in the backs.

Its a different game, but there are excellent sevens players who can transition to 15's and be able to use some of those skills (in particular ball handling and open running). That's exactly what Canada needed in the back line...which is bizarre considering the number of 7's players in that line.

A bit more to the point of 7's being so vastly different is how different touch is to 7's or 15's. They're hardly the same game! But I you're awesome as a touch player, chances are you have some good skills to bring to the full contact game. If other players can hardly get a hand on you then an outright tackle becomes challenging. This is the kind of thing I would advocate for Canada; we have a smaller squad, but clearly good runners who are creative with the ball in hand. Use it.

John Moonlight.

He is an example of what happens when you 15's players play 7's. John came onto the scene as a big, fast fetching 7. He was a beast, good at the breakdown. He was picked up by 7's and in his recent 15's games he has looked lost, totally unsure of which lines to run and how to read a 15's game.

There is a reason that the nations at the higher tier has dedicated 15's and 7's players. Look at a guy like Ben Gollings. He was a main stay in the England 7's set up, but could not get on at 15's. While he is smaller, he isn't any smaller than some successful 15's players.

And finally about the parity and things like that. (I'm kind of all over here and sorry for that), it's fine as an excuse against Ireland and France. Less so against Romania though and arguable against Italy. I'm not saying "run faster" or "kick the ball further" or things like that. Those are pure skill or athletic manoeuvres that are either there or aren't. But to say to a rugby player "bind onto the ball carrier when he goes into contact" isn't affected by parity. Its positional. If the argument is that players can't make it there because they're not fit, that's a different conversation, but we should see them doing this in the first half or more, and there should be an effort.

Like I say, I'm not an expert. I just love the game and noticed some things in watching the team play like crap for 2015.


The binding onto players pre-contact isn't conducive to playing a quick game. Usually, the current approach it so get "around" the tackler and make the ball available. It is all about getting/keeping the hands free of the tackle so you can off load.

I think Canada would have better success if they played a 10 man style. That being said, I would hate, HATE if they played a 10 man style. If they are going to lose the game, you may as well go down running.

I would really like to see Canada split their 15's and 7's programs. Stop the cross contamination of each. At the end of the day I think this will result in better 15's and 7's results.

[Slava]

Well for some reason I had it in my head that you were a forward? I have no idea why.

I jut feel like we're going to go in circles here though. I don't mean that rucking has zero skill involved, I'm talking about the play leading into the ruck though. I'm sorry but being there in support for your teammate with the ball and binding to him isn't any more skilful than arriving a couple seconds after he's gone into contact. I know this is going to get bogged down in semantics, but the reality is that we aren't talking about who is better at rucking. I'm talking about this from a positional standpoint and not every team needs Richie McCaw to win their own ball back quickly and effectively.

Secondly, I'm not saying that every player should play 7's and 15's. Just that the skillset for 7's leads me (amongst many others) to that think that these players ought to be deft runners and ball-handlers. I mean sure, maybe they should split the programs...great. That's not what my point is though. My point is they already have all these 7's players (who do quite well in 7's), so focus on their strengths. I don't even see how that is questionable...its like letting Gaudreau play his style of game and not asking him to play the 4th line and try to impose himself physically.

[undercoverbrother]

Well for some reason I had it in my head that you were a forward? I have no idea why.

I am gonna give you a pass this once....:D


I jut feel like we're going to go in circles here though. I don't mean that rucking has zero skill involved, I'm talking about the play leading into the ruck though. I'm sorry but being there in support for your teammate with the ball and binding to him isn't any more skilful than arriving a couple seconds after he's gone into contact. I know this is going to get bogged down in semantics, but the reality is that we aren't talking about who is better at rucking. I'm talking about this from a positional standpoint and not every team needs Richie McCaw to win their own ball back quickly and effectively.

But the current coaching isn't to pre-bind with players, that is what I am saying. It just isn't, at least with the coaches I know (one being national level). What you are advocating is to have two bodies impacting the one tackler, if I am reading it correctly. That worked when the focus was winning the contact, now the approach is to attack the hole and not the tackler.

Secondly, I'm not saying that every player should play 7's and 15's. Just that the skillset for 7's leads me (amongst many others) to that think that these players ought to be deft runners and ball-handlers. I mean sure, maybe they should split the programs...great. That's not what my point is though. My point is they already have all these 7's players (who do quite well in 7's), so focus on their strengths. I don't even see how that is questionable...its like letting Gaudreau play his style of game and not asking him to play the 4th line and try to impose himself physically.


No, the issue is that when players are off on the 7's program they don't play 15's. It isn't fair to the player, and sets them up for failure. You have 7's guys that are gone playing 7's and they don't get 15's time. To highlight the difference in 7's and 15's USA finished ranked #6, Kenya & Portugal were #13/#14. It is too different sports.

It is questionable because you don't have the space and time in 15's that you do in 7's.

At the end of the day we can agree to disagree.

[undercoverbrother]

http://www.yorktonthisweek.com/sports/canadian-prop-doug-wooldridge-signs-with-french-rugby-giant-clermont-auvergne-1.2150634

An injury crisis at Clermont Auvergne has earned Canadian rugby international Doug Wooldridge a job with the French powerhouse.

The 30-year-old prop, originally from Lindsay, Ont., flew out Wednesday after agreeing to a three-month contract with Clermont, which is tied with Toulouse and Racing Metro with 38 points atop the French Top 14 league.

"I'm really really excited for sure," he said from the airport. "I'm just looking forward to the challenge. It's going to be a real tough hill to climb but if I can put in a good performance over there, hopefully build off the World Cup, I think there could be a (future) opportunity as well."



Clermont is a good organization.

[undercoverbrother]

http://blogs.theprovince.com/2016/01/14/kieran-crowley-speaks-out-on-why-he-left-rugby-canada/

Slava, there is a paragraph that might interest you, and is along the lines of what I was saying:

The poor run of results from the last two years was something he couldn’t hide from. This is a results-based business, he admitted. While the strides his players made in the skill department was pleasing, the fact his team couldn’t find wins burned him.

It was down to one big thing, he said: a lack of full-timers. The only place in Canada for his best players to earn some kind of living was sevens. Asking those players to jump back and forth between two very different styles of rugby just wasn’t sustainable in the long run. Just as specialized sevens players are being developed, Canada needs specialized fifteens players if the men’s team is to return to the heights so many Canadian rugby people hold in their collective aspirations.

[Slava]

^ yeah I recognize that is an issue, but the fact is that was the situation. These players were going back and forth. I've played both and obviously there are differences between the games, but its not like one is hockey and one is rugby; there are a lot of skills and transferable ones at that, particularly in the backs. The bizarre thing is that we saw no evidence of that or at least very little in our backs. So while you have guys who are capable or playing open, running rugby when they're on the field or 7's we saw back line that continually played uncreative, uninspired rugby.

I get that we were not going to win the RWC. I just think that there were opportunities to play to our strengths here and we failed to do that.

[undercoverbrother]

^ yeah I recognize that is an issue, but the fact is that was the situation. These players were going back and forth. I've played both and obviously there are differences between the games, but its not like one is hockey and one is rugby; there are a lot of skills and transferable ones at that, particularly in the backs. The bizarre thing is that we saw no evidence of that or at least very little in our backs. So while you have guys who are capable or playing open, running rugby when they're on the field or 7's we saw back line that continually played uncreative, uninspired rugby.

I get that we were not going to win the RWC. I just think that there were opportunities to play to our strengths here and we failed to do that.

We will have to agree to disagree.

Now let's open the Pandora's Box of a unified season in Canada.

[Locke]

Man oh man that Toulon/Wasps match. That was fantastic.

[Locke]

I was pulling for Toulon primarily because of Bryan Habana. He had a few great carries but his highlight of the game was getting WRECKED by Ashley Johnson. That was a hell of a hit but Habana pops right back up and away he goes.

Great player.

Its a shame Toulon have, outside of perhaps only the Edmonton Oilers, the worst Kit in all of sport.

[undercoverbrother]

I was pulling for Toulon primarily because of Bryan Habana. He had a few great carries but his highlight of the game was getting WRECKED by Ashley Johnson. That was a hell of a hit but Habana pops right back up and away he goes.

Great player.

Its a shame Toulon have, outside of perhaps only the Edmonton Oilers, the worst Kit in all of sport.

Yeah no, there are worse:

Stade Francais wins hands down again and again:

http://blog.rugbystore.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Stade-Francais.jpg

https://stuartbarton.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/stade-leopard.jpg

[brocoli]

Hey guys, so I'm going to London in the spring and wouldn't you know it...It's the same time as the final for the Premier league. Question is, i've never been to a game before and don't really follow it that closely. Where should I sit? I see that there are still plenty of seats available. I understand the game, but have never seen it live. Thanks for the tips.

[undercoverbrother]

Hey guys, so I'm going to London in the spring and wouldn't you know it...It's the same time as the final for the Premier league. Question is, i've never been to a game before and don't really follow it that closely. Where should I sit? I see that there are still plenty of seats available. I understand the game, but have never seen it live. Thanks for the tips.

I like sitting at the end or corner of the field.


That way you can see the flow of the game develop and see where the holes are. That being said you struggle to see the other end of the field.

Centre or 22 are also good spots, but for me it is the end. Whenever I coach I always watch the game from the end of the pitch.

[Locke]

Good Lord thats hideous! What the hell were they thinking on that one?

[FireGilbert]

Good Lord is right, kill that thing with fire!

The Pretoria Bulls are going with these for their away kits this season:

http://www.newrugbykits.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Blue-Bulls-Pink-Jersey-2016.jpg

Still better than these ones they busted out a few years ago:

http://www.newrugbykits.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Pink-Blue-Bulls-Jersey-2012.jpg

[undercoverbrother]

Good Lord is right, kill that thing with fire!

The Pretoria Bulls are going with these for their away kits this season:

http://www.newrugbykits.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Blue-Bulls-Pink-Jersey-2016.jpg

Still better than these ones they busted out a few years ago:

http://www.newrugbykits.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Pink-Blue-Bulls-Jersey-2012.jpg

Just another reason to hate the bulls, garbage jersey and garbage rugby.

God I hate the Bulls, with a passion.

[FireGilbert]

Just another reason to hate the bulls, garbage jersey and garbage rugby.

God I hate the Bulls, with a passion.

Whoa, tell us how you really feel! Agree with the garbage rugby comment though. The only SA team worth watching is the Cheetahs.

[undercoverbrother]

Whoa, tell us how you really feel! Agree with the garbage rugby comment though. The only SA team worth watching is the Cheetahs.

You know I am right. I didn't even touch on their fan base.

Yeah, sadly, Cheetah's very rarely get the love they should.

Brussow was cast onto the garbage heap, and Goosen was driven to France.

[FireGilbert]

The full Bulls kit just cause UCB loves them so much:

http://m0.sportsjoe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/01155940/Bulls-jerseys.jpg

These are by far the worst of the 2016 Super Rugby jerseys. Most of them are really good with the Brumbies, Chiefs, and Highlanders being my favourites.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CVHpWnsUAAAML2J.jpg
http://www.newrugbykits.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/New-Chiefs-Rugby-Shirt-2016.jpg
http://www.newrugbykits.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/New-Highlanders-Rugby-Jersey-2016.jpg

[undercoverbrother]

I wish Province had stayed with hoops proper.

http://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/935/203b612cbafd48ac9bec11589f12bfaf.gif

[Party Elephant]

Those Chiefs kits have looked awesome the last couple years. The Crusaders ones with the chain mail are also a favourite:http://www.sanzarrugby.com/sanzar/assets/Image/Crusaders.jpg

[undercoverbrother]

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=93039


What a waste of money.

Rugby Canada is pleased to announce that Gareth Rees and Jim Dixon are embarking on a coast-to-coast tour to share the upcoming plans to prepare Canada for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The purpose of the tour is to provide fans and alumni with an overview of Rugby Canada’s findings from the 2015 Rugby World Cup Committee Report, and the strategic plans being implemented for the 2019 Rugby World Cup cycle.

Along the way, Rees and Dixon will also attend and speak at the National Rugby Conference presented by Honda at the Hilton Meadowvale, in Mississauga from January 29-31.

Rugby Canada is seeking feedback from the Canadian rugby fans, players, sponsors and the community as we look to inspire and engage on our Road to the World Cup.

Below is the full schedule of the Road to Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 Promotion Tour:

Road to Rugby World Cup 2019 Tour Schedule:

January 26: Calgary, AB (Deerfront Inn, 11500-35 Street SE at 8pm ET / 5pm PT)
January 27: Regina, SK (Regina Rugby Club, 4025 25th Ave at 8pm ET / 5pm PT)
January 28: Winnipeg, MB (University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Cir at 8pm ET / 5pm PT)
January 29: Montreal, QC (Olympic Stadium, 4545 Pierre-de-Coubertin at 6pm ET / 3pm PT)
January 30-31: Toronto, ON (Hilton Meadowvale, 6750 Mississauga Rd)
February 1: Halifax, NS (CIBC Auditorium, Dalhousie U, 6050 University Av at 6:30pm ET / 3:30pm PT)
February 2: St. John’s, NFL (Swilers RFC, 100 Crosbie Drive)

[undercoverbrother]

mad skills


FRGXDXtql-A

[carom]

Hey guys, so I'm going to London in the spring and wouldn't you know it...It's the same time as the final for the Premier league. Question is, i've never been to a game before and don't really follow it that closely. Where should I sit? I see that there are still plenty of seats available. I understand the game, but have never seen it live. Thanks for the tips.

Sorry for the late response. I live in Twickenham, have been to a few games at the stadium and am a Harlequins season ticket holder. I haven't got my ticket for the final yet, but I will see how the quins do and pick one up closer to the game.

As for viewing the game, I would recommend mid to upper level if you want to have a good overview of the game. I prefer being close to the sidelines because when the play is in your end you get a different feel for the game when you can really see the size and speed of the players. I think the south and west stand will be the best sides for the game, if it is sunny the sun could be an issue in the northeast corner.

Feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions about places to stay, getting around, and the best pubs to go to.

Come on you Quins!

[FireGilbert]

You know I am right. I didn't even touch on their fan base.

Yeah, sadly, Cheetah's very rarely get the love they should.

Brussow was cast onto the garbage heap, and Goosen was driven to France.

It looks like the Cheetahs make it to Sydney this season. That could be a superb high scoring game.

Also, the 2016 Super Rugby season has to be the most ridiculous and ambitious league ever created. They have done a good job with the schedule to limit the travel but there are going to be some serious air miles put up. The SunWolves probably have it the worst with two home grounds:

Tokyo->bye->Singapore->Tokyo->Singapore->Port Elizabeth->Cape Town->Bloemfontein->Tokyo->bye->Tokyo->Singapore->Brisbane->Canberra->Tokyo->Pretoria->Durban

[Party Elephant]

It looks like the Cheetahs make it to Sydney this season. That could be a superb high scoring game.

Also, the 2016 Super Rugby season has to be the most ridiculous and ambitious league ever created. They have done a good job with the schedule to limit the travel but there are going to be some serious air miles put up. The SunWolves probably have it the worst with two home grounds:

Tokyo->bye->Singapore->Tokyo->Singapore->Port Elizabeth->Cape Town->Bloemfontein->Tokyo->bye->Tokyo->Singapore->Brisbane->Canberra->Tokyo->Pretoria->Durban
I have to wonder just how much their owners paid to convince SANZAR that this was a good idea

[FireGilbert]

I have to wonder just how much their owners paid to convince SANZAR that this was a good idea

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSxw_EY70z8HYIowhdu103HgQSjxWNc1 j_BK98tXXd99-zwqCVj

At least the Argentinian expansion makes some sense: Southern Hemisphere, Pumas in Rugby Championship, easier travel for SA teams than Oz or NZ. Adding a northern hemisphere team is all about money though.

They should have gone with the one team from Buenos Aires then in a few years if that succeeded add a second Argentinian team. Other options would have been to add a Singapore team to the Australian division and a Pacific Islands team to the NZ division.

[undercoverbrother]

ARC Long List comes out

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=93142

Canada’s 2016 Americas Rugby Championship Long List:
Kyle Baillie – (Halifax Tars/Atlantic Rock) Summerside, PEI?
Ray Barkwill – (Castaway Wanderers/Ontario Blues) Niagara Falls, ON
Nick Blevins – (Calgary Hornets/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB?
Gradyn Bowd – (UVIC Vikes/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB?
Rob Brouwer – (Lindsay RFC/Ontario Blues) Lindsay, ON?
Hubert Buydens – (Castaway Wanderers/Prairie Wolf Pack) Saskatoon, SK
Liam Chisholm – (UVIC Vikes) Kenora, ON?
Alistair Clark – (Bay Street Pigs/Ontario Blues) Oakville, ON?
Paul Ciulini – (Aurora Barbarians/Ontario Blues) Vaughan, ON?
Andrew Ferguson – (Oakville Crusaders/Ontario Blues) Mississauga, ON
Michael Hamson – (Halifax Tars/Atlantic Rock) Halifax, NS?
Eric Howard – (Brantford Harlequins/Ontario Blues) Ottawa, ON?
Jake Ilnicki – (Castaway Wanderers/BC Bears) Williams Lake, BC?
Brett Johnson – (Truro Saints/Atlantic Rock) Truro, NS?
Ryan Kotlewski – (Calgary Saints/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB?
Phil Mackenzie – (Sale Sharks/Ontario Blues), Oakville, ON?
Duncan Maguire – (St. Albert RFCC/Prairie Wolf Pack) St. Albert, AB?
Alex Mascott – (UBC Thunderbirds/BC Bears) Langley, BC?
Gordon McRorie – (Calgary Hornets/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB
Dan Moor – (Balmy Beach RFC/Ontario Blues) Toronto, ON?
Callum Morrison – (UBCOB Ravens/BC Bears) Victoria, BC?
Evan Olmstead – (Parramatta Two Blues/Prairie Wolf Pack) Vancouver, BC
Clay Panga – (Castaway Wanderers/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB?
Pat Parfrey – (Swilers RFC/Atlantic Rock) St. John’s, NL?
Jacob Robinson – (St. Albert RFC/Prairie Wolf Pack) St. Albert, AB?
Lucas Rumball – (Balmy Beach RFC/Ontario Blues) Scarborough, ON
Mozac Samson – (Calgary Saints/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB?
Djustice Sears-Duru – (Oakville Crusaders/Ontario Blues) Oakville, ON

Great to see a kid like Bowd (a Red Deer Titan) on the list. He has done a lot of hard work and deserves it after leading the Pack to a championship this past summer.

2 (well 3 Hornets on the list and a couple of 'aints).

Good showing from Calgary.

[undercoverbrother]

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSxw_EY70z8HYIowhdu103HgQSjxWNc1 j_BK98tXXd99-zwqCVj

At least the Argentinian expansion makes some sense: Southern Hemisphere, Pumas in Rugby Championship, easier travel for SA teams than Oz or NZ. Adding a northern hemisphere team is all about money though.

They should have gone with the one team from Buenos Aires then in a few years if that succeeded add a second Argentinian team. Other options would have been to add a Singapore team to the Australian division and a Pacific Islands team to the NZ division.

While I would love an Island team, I think the logistics would be horrible. Also, those places have a lot of players scattered all over the world.

If you could somehow bring them home, the team would be impressive.

[Slava]

Six Nations starts tomorrow, but the only coverage in Canada is TV Monde which is French... if you get it. Its so disappointing that with all the sports channels we have none of them shows international rugby consistently. I know they show games with Canada, and that's great, but some of these other tournaments are awesome and there is just nothing for coverage.

[FireGilbert]

Anyone into Sevens? I'm heading the the Sydney Sevens tomorrow and will be wearing a Team Canada hockey jersey and cheering hard for the Canadians and Australians. I'm definitely looking forward to the crazy crowd and lots of tries.

Canada went 0-3 in Group A action today and will play Wales in the Bowl quarterfinal. It was a typical performance from the Canadians as they were competitive against teams much better than them (Australia and New Zealand) yet lost a game they should have won (Portugal).

Also of note is everyone's favourite multi-sport athlete, Sonny Bill Williams, has made the switch to Sevens. The Portuguese were not too happy about it!

http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/77df6569c916b137abd2b4c1d4c3a278?width=650

[Slava]

Sevens is fun and exciting. I can't recall, but I'm pretty sure that undercoverbrother is a huge sevens fan!

[Party Elephant]

I only lived in Wellington for a few months and unfortunately wasn't around for Sevens weekend, but according to everyone I knew it is the biggest party of the year up there. Apparently there's a rugby tournament too!
http://eyeofthefish.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/sevens-girls.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wueuzN7iaVM/Tys6_MQDyOI/AAAAAAAAFSo/g6SVX59LMv8/s640/poison-ivy-costume-sevens-wellington.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ikJ3mPwe48/Tys7C2VyG6I/AAAAAAAAFTE/IaAfBjATqww/s640/sexy-popcorn-girls-sevens-costumes.jpg

Is it like this in Sydney too FireGilbert?

[FireGilbert]

^Those ladies would have received some severe sunburns in Sydney yesterday!

There was definitely some good eye candy in nice costumes though. Unfortunately my brain has been permanently scarred by one man wearing Karl Stefanovic themed budgie smugglers.

It ended up being a pretty epic day and I would recommend it to anyone. The crowd was crazy and the rugby was good too. The Canadians played much better, beating Wales, Scotland, and Samoa to take the Bowl, while the Aussies were also good but lost a heartbreaker to the All Blacks (of course) in the Cup final. A few comments:

-Nathan Hirayama is an incredible Sevens player. As long as he is on the team Canada will be competitive.
-The Fijians are the most skilled players in the world and their fans are the craziest. They really should be better at Union.
-I was really impressed with Kenya and their loud fans. Their comeback win against the USA was one of the highlights of the day.
-Big props to the two guys decked out in full lumberjack gear. They must have been melting.

Also, it takes a lot of endurance for a fan to get through one of these events! I was completely beat after going for one day, I can only image how people who went for both days plus lots of drinking feel today.

[undercoverbrother]

Sevens is fun and exciting. I can't recall, but I'm pretty sure that undercoverbrother is a huge sevens fan!

In as much as I am a big fan of 3 on 3 hockey.

^Those ladies would have received some severe sunburns in Sydney yesterday!

There was definitely some good eye candy in nice costumes though. Unfortunately my brain has been permanently scarred by one man wearing Karl Stefanovic themed budgie smugglers.

It ended up being a pretty epic day and I would recommend it to anyone. The crowd was crazy and the rugby was good too. The Canadians played much better, beating Wales, Scotland, and Samoa to take the Bowl, while the Aussies were also good but lost a heartbreaker to the All Blacks (of course) in the Cup final. A few comments:

-Nathan Hirayama is an incredible Sevens player. As long as he is on the team Canada will be competitive.
-The Fijians are the most skilled players in the world and their fans are the craziest. They really should be better at Union.
-I was really impressed with Kenya and their loud fans. Their comeback win against the USA was one of the highlights of the day.
-Big props to the two guys decked out in full lumberjack gear. They must have been melting.

Also, it takes a lot of endurance for a fan to get through one of these events! I was completely beat after going for one day, I can only image how people who went for both days plus lots of drinking feel today.

gMdYxJPcM24


Totally, aside, but a player from my club won his first cap on Saturday against Uruguay.

Very proud moment, couple that with 2 players from my old club in the squad, it was lovely.

[undercoverbrother]

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/07/new-zealand-face-probe-for-fielding-eight-players-at-sevens-tournament

Australian coach Andy Friend says World Rugby must act quickly to ensure the debut of sevens at the Rio Olympics isn’t plagued by an embarrassing eight-man bungle like the one which struck the Sydney Sevens.

The sport’s governing body has launched an investigation into New Zealand’s apparent fielding of an extra man in the dying stages of their 17-17 pool draw with the home side.

I wonder if Sir Clive is coaching NZ 7's.

[upperloge77]

Anyone into Sevens? I'm heading the the Sydney Sevens tomorrow and will be wearing a Team Canada hockey jersey and cheering hard for the Canadians and Australians. I'm definitely looking forward to the crazy crowd and lots of tries.

Canada went 0-3 in Group A action today and will play Wales in the Bowl quarterfinal. It was a typical performance from the Canadians as they were competitive against teams much better than them (Australia and New Zealand) yet lost a game they should have won (Portugal).

Also of note is everyone's favourite multi-sport athlete, Sonny Bill Williams, has made the switch to Sevens. The Portuguese were not too happy about it!

http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/77df6569c916b137abd2b4c1d4c3a278?width=650


just recently discovered Sevens with a bout of insomnia and nothing much else to watch at night. absolutely love the sport. question. what's the highest level league in Canada, or is there? Just club level and National team at this point?

[undercoverbrother]

just recently discovered Sevens with a bout of insomnia and nothing much else to watch at night. absolutely love the sport. question. what's the highest level league in Canada, or is there? Just club level and National team at this point?


There is no 7's league in Canada.

There are some summer 7's tourney's

[Slava]

You can see it live in Vancouver next month as well, both mens and womens.

[FireGilbert]

In as much as I am a big fan of 3 on 3 hockey.

You can't really compare with 3 on 3 hockey where physicality has been completely removed from the game. Rugby Sevens still has huge tackles, intense scrums, and epic try line stands.



gMdYxJPcM24

That was a awesome hit. I was almost in that replay actually, we were sitting on the try line about 20 rows up.

The All Black/USA game was possibly the most anger filled match of the day and the Eagles left it battered and bruised. The highlight was Sonny Bill and Danny Barrett almost getting into a fight.



Totally, aside, but a player from my club won his first cap on Saturday against Uruguay.

Very proud moment, couple that with 2 players from my old club in the squad, it was lovely. That's awesome, go Canada!


http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/07/new-zealand-face-probe-for-fielding-eight-players-at-sevens-tournament



I wonder if Sir Clive is coaching NZ 7's. Yeah, that was scandalous although didn't really matter in the end as both teams made the final. There will be a major uproar if this happens in the Olympics though!

[undercoverbrother]

You can see it live in Vancouver next month as well, both mens and womens.

You can also see some good 7's players at Stampede 7's, not in my division, but other divisions.

[FireGilbert]

just recently discovered Sevens with a bout of insomnia and nothing much else to watch at night. absolutely love the sport. question. what's the highest level league in Canada, or is there? Just club level and National team at this point?

You can see it live in Vancouver next month as well, both mens and womens.

They are in North American next month. Vegas from the 4th to the 6th and Vancouver on the 12th and 13th.

Interestingly the tickets seem a little pricy for the Vancouver event, especially considering it is the first time in Canada and they don't have a big rugby fan base. They are asking for $50 for General Admission while I only paid $30 in Sydney.

[undercoverbrother]

You can't really compare with 3 on 3 hockey where physicality has been completely removed from the game. Rugby Sevens still has huge tackles, intense scrums, and epic try line stands.



No but much of the tactical aspects of the game have been removed.

My comparison was that 3 on 3 is simplified version of hockey, much like 7's is a simplified version of 15's.

While 7's is technical, it is technical in it's own right, but lacks the complexity of a game of 15's.

In short it is a watered down version of a better product. I hope it acts as a gateway drug to 15's for the North American audience.

[undercoverbrother]

I have never been a fan of Hearn, I thought he was a black hole.


He appears to be doing well and scored a cracker the other day.

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=93475

Ciaran Hearn has agreed a contract extension with London Irish for the 2016/17 season.

The Canadian International, who joined the Club following his impressive form for Canada during the Rugby World Cup, has been a regular starter since arriving at Hazelwood.

Hearn’s versatility has seen him play in the centre and on the wing for Irish so far this season. He has made six appearances for the Club in the Aviva Premiership scoring two tries against Gloucester and Worcester respectively.

The 29-year-old has made 49 appearances for Canada, featuring in both the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups, as well as representing his country in the World 7s Series.

Commenting on his decision to extend his contract with London Irish, Ciaran Hearn said: “I have only been at the Club a couple of months and everyone has been extremely accommodating in making my transition a very smooth one. I have enjoyed my time at London Irish and I’m delighted to be staying on for next season.”

London Irish Head of Rugby Operations, Glenn Delaney added: “Ciaran has shown his quality since his arrival and continues to impress in the matches he plays. His try in last weekend’s match against Worcester shows a glimpse of what he can offer us going forward.”

[Slava]

If you want to watch the 6 nations, it turns out its on Bein sports. Its delayed as far as I can tell, but its there.

[Slava]

Alright the games aren't delayed which is pretty good if you want that channel. I just watched Ireland/France and it wasn't a great game. The worst part was a head-on-head collision for Mike McCarthy who was stretchered off. I say the worst because that just looked like it really sucked! That was unlucky, but in all I don't know how France escaped a yellow card on a number of occasions; a blatant late hit, a high tackle, intentional knock-on and the list goes on. Ireland lose 10-9 and with that their hopes of a third straight aix nations pretty much go as well.

Tomorrow morning England plays Italy. I haven't watched Scotland and Wales from today yet. In two weeks its Ireland and England at Twickenham, which should be good if the Irish injuries are somewhat recovered.

[craigwd]

They are in North American next month. Vegas from the 4th to the 6th and Vancouver on the 12th and 13th.

Interestingly the tickets seem a little pricy for the Vancouver event, especially considering it is the first time in Canada and they don't have a big rugby fan base. They are asking for $50 for General Admission while I only paid $30 in Sydney.

I'm headed there next month for the whole weekend. Going to be a blast. Love 7s.

[undercoverbrother]

ARC highlights from this past weekend.

cEABfEVkeV0

[FireGilbert]

I'm headed there next month for the whole weekend. Going to be a blast. Love 7s.

That's awesome, have fun!

Have you been to a Sevens weekend before? I'm curious of your strategy for surviving the entire weekend? I was completely beat after one day of sun, booze, and rugby, I don't think I could have handled both days.

[craigwd]

That's awesome, have fun!

Have you been to a Sevens weekend before? I'm curious of your strategy for surviving the entire weekend? I was completely beat after one day of sun, booze, and rugby, I don't think I could have handled both days.

Thanks!

Not an entire weekend. My dad and brothers have in Vegas but I didn't have time off then.

No real plan - being inside BC Place should take care of the sun and I don't expect to be inside watching every single match, will want to soak up some of the other experiences. Also, need a chance to bum around Van-city which is something I enjoy too.

As for the booze, I'm not too worried. We space it out and don't really overdo it anyways.

[FireGilbert]

Thanks!

Not an entire weekend. My dad and brothers have in Vegas but I didn't have time off then.

No real plan - being inside BC Place should take care of the sun and I don't expect to be inside watching every single match, will want to soak up some of the other experiences. Also, need a chance to bum around Van-city which is something I enjoy too.

As for the booze, I'm not too worried. We space it out and don't really overdo it anyways.

Cool, yeah it is a good idea to not watch every single game, you need a few breaks.

It is interesting they are playing at BC place though, any idea if they are bringing grass or something? I can't imagine playing rugby on artificial turf would be much fun.

[FireGilbert]

In Fifteens news, Japan and Queensland Reds Fullback Ayumu Goromaru has surpassed Dan Carter to become the highest paid rugby player in the world. This is a big deal for Japanese rugby which is becoming hugely popular after their world cup success.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/reds/reds-and-japan-fullback-ayumu-goromaru-becomes-world-rugbys-highest-paid-player-20160215-gmug79.html

Also, go the Queensland Reds! They look to have a decent team this year.

[undercoverbrother]

In Fifteens news, Japan and Queensland Reds Fullback Ayumu Goromaru has surpassed Dan Carter to become the highest paid rugby player in the world. This is a big deal for Japanese rugby which is becoming hugely popular after their world cup success.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/reds/reds-and-japan-fullback-ayumu-goromaru-becomes-world-rugbys-highest-paid-player-20160215-gmug79.html

Also, go the Queensland Reds! They look to have a decent team this year.

Yeah crazy, considering.

[craigwd]

I doubt that BC Place changes the field. It'll likely remain on turf.

[undercoverbrother]

I doubt that BC Place changes the field. It'll likely remain on turf.

The turf had to be approved by World Rugby for the event to be held.


It will be played on turf.


http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/05/bc-place-stadium-new-turf/

[FireGilbert]

David Pocock is being featured on this week's Australian Story on the Aussie ABC. It covers his life including fleeing Zimbabwe, dealing with anxiety and an eating disorder, and his current activism which resulted in an arrest for chaining himself to a tree. He is such an amazing rugby player and an even better person.

If you have geo blocking skills you can watch this online on the ABC iView. If not here is the transcript for part 1:

http://www.abc.net.au/austory/content/2015/s4384756.htm

[undercoverbrother]

David Pocock is being featured on this week's Australian Story on the Aussie ABC. It covers his life including fleeing Zimbabwe, dealing with anxiety and an eating disorder, and his current activism which resulted in an arrest for chaining himself to a tree. He is such an amazing rugby player and an even better person.

If you have geo blocking skills you can watch this online on the ABC iView. If not here is the transcript for part 1:

http://www.abc.net.au/austory/content/2015/s4384756.htm

Best back row player at the World Cup.

He has jump to the top of my man crush list.

[undercoverbrother]

From this past weekend.

CO_2DclvrJM

Lots of Alberta boys in the team.

Also,

QFwMc-hL_YA

It really is a shame the general populace doesn't know more about Canada's Women's program (7's and 15's).

They are world class, and strong.

[St. Pats]

This new ARC setup is good for Canada's players confidence. They get to play against teams that they can actually beat. Other than the USA and Argentina. But still nice to be able to win a game for a change. Plus they are putting new guys into the lineup instead of the same old faces. Not to mention getting in more game action.

It was all getting a bit disheartening seeing them lose so many times. This is a good boost.

[FLAMESRULE]

We are heading to Australia this September and will in Brisbane for the Sept 10th match of the Wallabies vs. S. Africa (and/or possibly Perth Sept 17 vs. Argentina). I've never seen a live rugby game and am super pumped to try and get tickets for this.

Any idea on how to best get tickets?? I've signed up for the presales online, but any other options?

[FireGilbert]

We are heading to Australia this September and will in Brisbane for the Sept 10th match of the Wallabies vs. S. Africa (and/or possibly Perth Sept 17 vs. Argentina). I've never seen a live rugby game and am super pumped to try and get tickets for this.

Any idea on how to best get tickets?? I've signed up for the presales online, but any other options?

I just keep an eye on this site:

http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/Tickets/TestMatchTickets.aspx

Not on sale yet obviously and I'm not sure how easy it is for non-Australian residents to get tickets.

My personal experience in Brisbane is that you will have no problem getting tickets. Last year for example the Springboks game only had 37,000 at a 50,000 seat stadium. No idea about Perth though.

[undercoverbrother]

Super Rugby on TSN!!!!

http://www.tsn.ca/rugby-on-tsn-and-tsn-go-1.433673

http://blogs.theprovince.com/2016/02/23/super-rugby-on-canadian-tv-sources-say-tsn/

’s coming down to the wire, but it looks like Canadian rugby fans will be able to watch Super Rugby again this season.

It appears TSN is set to acquire Canadian TV rights. As the agreement has yet to be officially announced, it’s not yet clear if the games would be available over regular cable channels or only via the TSN GO online streaming service.

Either way, this will please the multitude of fans who have been writing in with worry.

The 2016 season kicks off Thursday evening, Pacific Time.

UPDATE (1:37 p.m. Wednesday): TSN has now updated their site with a preliminary schedule. All games will be available streamed through TSN GO, available on phones, tablets and the website. Games in other sports are generally archived for later viewing. Subscribers to TSN via cable or satellite also have access to the streaming package – you just need your service provider account login information.


This is such good news. I hope they archive the games, as some of the times suck.


Super Rugby is, IMO, the top club conpetition in the world. It isn't even close.

[Locke]

I just keep an eye on this site:

http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/Tickets/TestMatchTickets.aspx

Not on sale yet obviously and I'm not sure how easy it is for non-Australian residents to get tickets.

My personal experience in Brisbane is that you will have no problem getting tickets. Last year for example the Springboks game only had 37,000 at a 50,000 seat stadium. No idea about Perth though.

Maybe some Aussies on here can nab him some tickets?

Also the more Rugby on TV the better, I know the times suck but thats why God invented the PVR.

[undercoverbrother]

Also the more Rugby on TV the better, I know the times suck but thats why God invented the PVR.

My understanding is that it is only available via their App.

[Slava]

I loathe TSNGO. I was excited because I thought for a second it would be on one of their five channels in the middle of the night when they're otherwise showing....well what do they show at those times? Anyway, I love Super Rugby, but odds are I won't watch if that is the only way.

[undercoverbrother]

I loathe TSNGO. I was excited because I thought for a second it would be on one of their five channels in the middle of the night when they're otherwise showing....well what do they show at those times? Anyway, I love Super Rugby, but odds are I won't watch if that is the only way.

Agreed, I thought that during the World Cup they kept the games accessible for a week, until the next games.

I will hit up some of the 8 am games, but not the middle of the night games.

[Slava]

Isn't it the login where I have to have my account number and all that junk in order to get to see the games though? I didn't even get past that step for whatever I found there that I kind of wanted to watch once.

I just don't understand why they have five channels, which will all show Sportscenter all night long, and they can't broadcast the game instead. And they wonder why people cut the cord...

[Jimmy Stang]

I'm hoping that TSN will eventually get some of these onto the main channels for PVR purposes, or at minimum, archive the games on TSN Go. As already mentioned, this is the exact type of broadcast that TSN should be putting on one of their five feeds. Let the other four show SportsCentre!

It does sound like the confirmation of broadcast rights came very late, so I am hoping that TSN has just thrown them up onto TSN Go for now, and will try and work them into the schedule once they get things sorted out.

[undercoverbrother]

I just watched the France v Wales game.

Yuck is the only word I can think of to describe the game.

[undercoverbrother]

David Pocock is being featured on this week's Australian Story on the Aussie ABC. It covers his life including fleeing Zimbabwe, dealing with anxiety and an eating disorder, and his current activism which resulted in an arrest for chaining himself to a tree. He is such an amazing rugby player and an even better person.

If you have geo blocking skills you can watch this online on the ABC iView. If not here is the transcript for part 1:

http://www.abc.net.au/austory/content/2015/s4384756.htm



LmSBJfUJUso

Is this it?

[FireGilbert]

LmSBJfUJUso

Is this it?

Yep, that's the one. I think part 2 airs in a few days.

Speaking of Mr. Pocock, he scored a try in the Brumbies 52-10 win over the Hurricanes.

[Slava]

England v. Ireland was a great game today. This sets up an England v. Wales at Twickenham match in a couple of weeks which is going to be extremely interesting. Firstly, it could determine the 6 nations winner. Second, after the Wales upset at Twickenham in the RWC it was already going to be a good one!

[undercoverbrother]

So the US lost to Brazil.

While these are two lowly ranked nations it is great for Brazil and the sport.

w6VrpbUL64o

[undercoverbrother]

Yep, that's the one. I think part 2 airs in a few days.

Speaking of Mr. Pocock, he scored a try in the Brumbies 52-10 win over the Hurricanes.

Part 2 buddy

Xp4aRMiOyTA

[undercoverbrother]

International rugby coming to Calgary.

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpl1/v/t1.0-9/12805960_10153711828309425_8032690683742679805_n.j pg?oh=71f7ac60fb6648021a648f9425a95b68&oe=5759545C

also more games

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=94021

June Summer Series

Canada vs. Japan — June 11th
BC Place, 6pm ET/3pm PT

Canada vs. Russia — June 18th
Calgary Rugby Park, 5pm ET/2pm PT

Canada vs. Italy — June 26th
BMO Field, 12pm ET/9am PT

[FireGilbert]

Anyone watching the USA Sevens? Quade Cooper made his debut for Australia and led them to a 3-0 opening round. Their real test comes against the Boks in the Semis though.

Also, my thoughts on the weekend that was in Super Rugby:
-The Lions are now 2-0 after beating the Chefs in Hamilton. I need to revise that Ghostbuster quote: Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, the Lions winning rugby matches..
-The Brumbies are good and I mean really good. Definitely the early title favourites.
-The Reds are bad and I mean really really really bad. You normally wouldn't call for the coach to be fired after only 2 games but it is time to fire the coach.

[FireGilbert]

Wow, the Aussie Thunderbolts vs the SA Blitzboks was the most ridiculous Sevens match I have ever seen!

The Aussies took a 2nd half 7-5 lead after a penalty try and looked to have the game in control until a series of high tackles puts Cooper in the sin bin and the Boks soon make it 12-7 with under a minute to go. They then stole the kick off and had control of the ball until a bad pass literally went out of bounds with 2 seconds left. Australia got the ball back with no time left down one man but then drive down the field and score on another penalty try to win! Ridiculous.

So the final will be Fiji vs Australia. Canada plays Samoa for the Shield in about 30 minutes.

[St. Pats]

Who thinks Canada will be qualifying for the Oly's in the last chance tourney? Not likely based on the games I've watched this season.

[FireGilbert]

Who thinks Canada will be qualifying for the Oly's in the last chance tourney? Not likely based on the games I've watched this season.

Short answer: No chance

Long answer: Maybe. The Canadians are competitive but wildly inconsistent so anything can happen in the last chance tournament.

[FireGilbert]

I called it, the Reds have just fired their coach after two horrible games.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/queensland-reds-coach-richard-graham-sacked-after-backtoback-losses-to-start-super-rugby-season-20160307-gnciuk.html

This is going to be a long year for the Queenslanders. I really hope they don't go 0-15!

[undercoverbrother]

Who thinks Canada will be qualifying for the Oly's in the last chance tourney? Not likely based on the games I've watched this season.

Women are in and it wouldn't surprise me if they won a medal.

Men, nope

[undercoverbrother]

This weekend

RUGBY ON TSN
HSBC Sevens: World Series Rugby
Sat 5:30PM ET / 2:30PM PT on TSN1

HSBC Sevens: World Series Rugby
Sun 7PM ET / 4PM PT on TSN2

[Jimmy Stang]

TSN has come to their senses and the Super Rugby matches are now available on TSN Go on demand. I'm still not sure why they can't utilize one of their five feeds overnight for this, but having the games on demand is an improvement over having them only live in the middle of the night when hardly anyone can watch them.

http://www.tsn.ca/video/on-demand (scroll down a bit and you'll see a few games). Login required, as you'd expect with TSN Go.

Edit: And I just checked the TSN Go app, and they're on there too, so that's good.

[undercoverbrother]

Canada has a new men's 15's coach.

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=94528

The 59-year-old New Zealander, who boasts an extensive background in international and professional rugby, takes over from the long-serving Kieran Crowley and Interim Head Coach Francois Ratier.

In 2011, as Head Coach of New Zealand’s Under-20 Team, Anscombe helped secure a fourth successive title at the IRB Junior World Championships in Italy, having previously been an Assistant for the National Under-20 side in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
"We're very excited to have Mark joining our coaching staff as we look to continue developing our Men’s Program towards qualification for the 2019 RWC in Japan," said Dixon. "Our Selection Committee went through an extensive application and interview process and there were a number of highly qualified candidates from around the world."

Anscombe was appointed Head Coach of Ulster ahead of the 2012/2013 campaign and his team started the season with an unprecedented 14 wins. In Anscombe’s first season in charge they finished top of the league, narrowly losing the final to Leinster. Before moving to Belfast, Anscombe also had a three-year spell as Head Coach of the Auckland ITM Cup side.
"Having worked with quality organizations like New Zealand’s Under-20 Team, Ulster and Auckland in the ITM Cup, Mark brings a wealth of international and professional experience to our organization. As we enhance our domestic program over the next 12-18 months and prepare for RWC2019 qualification, Mark’s experience and leadership will be vital” added Dixon. “Importantly, we feel Mark’s coaching style, playing philosophy and understanding of the environments our internationally based players compete in is a great fit for this program.”

Also, of note:

For the first-time ever, Canada’s Men’s Fifteens Team will have a centralized, full-time program beginning in August at the Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence in Langford, BC. Over 20 athletes will have access to a high-performance daily training environment, world-class coaching, sport science and medical facilities throughout the year to prepare for international competition.

Knowing Rugby Canada this will fall through:

At this time, Anscombe’s commencement is subject to Canadian Immigration requirements and both Anscombe and Rugby Canada are working with the Canadian Immigration Department to meet the requirements for him to be able to begin employment.

"We have a new coach, but not really, yet"

[FireGilbert]

Oh no, David Pocock has been suspended!

http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/super-rugby-wallabies-and-brumbies-star-david-pocock-to-miss-two-matches-for-neck-grab/news-story/7b2959c2b114535daba97ef41e84dff5


Duty judicial officer Adam Cassleden accepted the Wallabies back-rower’s admission that he’d committed an act of foul play by dangerously holding a player without the ball.

He deemed the incident merited only a low-end sanction of two weeks, plus one week for aggravation.

“However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player’s early plea, his good character, his genuine remorse and his excellent disciplinary record I reduced the suspension to a period of two weeks,” Cassleden said in a statement. As much as I dislike star player missing games (including a visit to Sydney!) it is refreshing to see dangerous plays to the head and neck taken seriously. The NHL could learn a lot from rugby.

Edit: Pocock has issued an apology (take note Duncan Keith!):

Yesterday I faced the judiciary for the first time in my rugby career. I am incredibly disappointed with my actions. I endeavour to play the game I love in a way that reflects the kind of toughness and decency I think rugby can teach us.
On Saturday night I did not live up to those standards, placing Michael Leitch in danger by binding on his neck in a maul. It was not my intention to hurt Michael, but in these sorts of circumstances it is not intention that matters. I am grateful that World Rugby and SANZAAR are concerned about making the game safer for all of us.
I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again to Michael. And to apologise to the Chiefs, Brumbies and all those who follow rugby. I'd also like to apologise to my team mates who I will let down over the next few weeks while suspended.
Dave

[undercoverbrother]

Oh no, David Pocock has been suspended!

http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/super-rugby-wallabies-and-brumbies-star-david-pocock-to-miss-two-matches-for-neck-grab/news-story/7b2959c2b114535daba97ef41e84dff5

As much as I dislike star player missing games (including a visit to Sydney!) it is refreshing to see dangerous plays to the head and neck taken seriously. The NHL could learn a lot from rugby.

Edit: Pocock has issued an apology (take note Duncan Keith!):

Pocock is all class.

Do the crime accept the time.

Best rugby player on the planet at the moment, IMO.

[Yorkshire Flame]

Exciting to see a Rugby League side getting a start in Canada! Hopefully it takes off.


Toronto Wolfpack will join English rugby league's third tier from next season.

The Canada-based side will be coached by former Leigh boss Paul Rowley, while ex-Great Britain coach Brian Noble has been appointed as head of rugby.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/36149660

[Slava]

That's pretty cool. Sucks that its league, but a cool way to structure things to have the Toronto team play in 4-5 week blocks like that.

[undercoverbrother]

Exciting to see Rugby League side Rugby League getting a start in Canada! Hopefully it takes off.



http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/36149660

League, in bits and pieces has been around in Canada for a while, I recall back in the late 90's they poked around.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/toronto-s-transatlantic-rugby-team-won-t-divulge-ownership-1.2879185

he Toronto Wolfpack, a fledgling rugby league side launched this week, says it won't divulge its ownership.
On Wednesday, team founder and CEO Eric Perez said the ownership consortium consists of 10 businessmen who "all made their money in mining and resources."
"Some Canadian, a couple Australians, mostly Canadians though," he added.

Asked for a list of the owners, a club spokeswoman said Thursday via email: "The team is private and investor names aren't public information."
The Wolfpack plans to play in the third tier of English rugby league starting in March 2017.

Seems odd, but what eves.


This also launched in the US the other week:

http://www.prorugby.org/

There are a number of Canadian players (Nick Blevins a Calgary Hornet & Canada player is on a team). There are also a number of "older" players from over seas.

[Yorkshire Flame]

Sucks that its league

:argue:

[FireGilbert]

More Rugby League talk please! Just as Calgarians spend their days discussing hockey, Sydneysiders spend their days discussing league.

I was just watching the test match the Australia Kangaroos and the New Zealand Kiwis. The Aussies won 16-0 in what was a pretty dull game to be honest.

[undercoverbrother]

More Rugby League talk please! Just as Calgarians spend their days discussing hockey, Sydneysiders spend their days discussing league.

I was just watching the test match the Australia Kangaroos and the New Zealand Kiwis. The Aussies won 16-0 in what was a pretty dull game to be honest.

I just can't get into watching League. I find it repetitive and frustrating that there is no contest for the ball.

I have played it and don't mind playing it, but again always struggled with my instinct to poach the ball.

[FireGilbert]

I just can't get into watching League. I find it repetitive and frustrating that there is no contest for the ball.

I have played it and don't mind playing it, but again always struggled with my instinct to poach the ball.

Any rugby is good rugby. I agree though that League is inferior due to the repetitiveness. League is also a much simpler game compared to the thinking man's Union. There are still some incredibly skilled players in League though and I appreciate the scoring rules which promote attacking try scoring rugby.

I know what version Sydneysiders prefer. There are eight professional League teams here compared to one professional Union team.

Interestingly two of my favourite rugby players, Sonny Bill Williams and Israel Folau both got their start playing League.

[Party Elephant]

I don't watch much league unless it just happens to be on the tv at work, but the one thing I always find funny is when the ball carrier flops around after being tackled to try to draw a penalty. They should call embellishment like in hockey.

[undercoverbrother]

Any rugby is good rugby. I agree though that League is inferior due to the repetitiveness. League is also a much simpler game compared to the thinking man's Union. There are still some incredibly skilled players in League though and I appreciate the scoring rules which promote attacking try scoring rugby.

I know what version Sydneysiders prefer. There are eight professional League teams here compared to one professional Union team.

Interestingly two of my favourite rugby players, Sonny Bill Williams and Israel Folau both got their start playing League.

The tide has turned, there use to be a flow of Union players to League, back in the 70's & 80's. But since Union went professional in the early 90's it has changed and is (IMO) a one way street.

Also, how do you leave this man off that list:

http://www.odt.co.nz/files/story/2012/10/brad_thorn_507fc4b016.JPG

[FireGilbert]

I don't watch much league unless it just happens to be on the tv at work, but the one thing I always find funny is when the ball carrier flops around after being tackled to try to draw a penalty. They should call embellishment like in hockey.

The issue is tacklers holding on to the player to allow their teammates to get back onside so they have no choice but to flop around. The refs need to be better policing this.

The tide has turned, there use to be a flow of Union players to League, back in the 70's & 80's. But since Union went professional in the early 90's it has changed and is (IMO) a one way street.

Also, how do you leave this man off that list:

http://www.odt.co.nz/files/story/2012/10/brad_thorn_507fc4b016.JPG

Now that the salaries are equal Union has a huge advantage with the opportunity to travel all over the world. League gives you the opportunity to travel to Yorkshire.

Haha, didn't forget Thorny, just going with active players. That guy is a bloody legend in Queensland.

[undercoverbrother]

The issue is tacklers holding on to the player to allow their teammates to get back onside so they have no choice but to flop around. The refs need to be better policing this.



Now that the salaries are equal Union has a huge advantage with the opportunity to travel all over the world. League gives you the opportunity to travel to Yorkshire.

Haha, didn't forget Thorny, just going with active players. That guy is a bloody legend in Queensland.

Have you been to Huddersfield, its lovely....:rolleyes:

Actually, one thing that League in the UK got right was moving away from a season in the dead of winter.

[undercoverbrother]

Kind of cool

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-36279307

A rugby rule book dating back to 1851 has sold for £13,000 at auction.
It measures 8.4cm by 5cm (3.3in by 1.9in) and is called The Laws of Football as Played at Rugby School.
The inside cover says H Waddington, October 3rd 1851 and it is believed to have belonged to William Henry Waddington, the former prime minister of France, who went to Rugby School.

ugby rules in 1851
No one wearing projecting nails, iron plates, or gutta percha (a protective material), on the soles or heels of his boots or shoes, shall be allowed to play
All matches are drawn after five days, or after three days if no goal is kicked
No hacking with the heel, or unless below the knee, is fair
The ball must be place-kicked and not dropped - and if it touch two hands the try will be lost
No player may take the ball out of the close, i.e behind the line of trees beyond the goal

[FireGilbert]

Reds vs Hurricanes in Wellington is on right now. I'm hoping for a close one but expecting a blood bath.

The NZ teams are just too good this year. Hard to believe a 5 team conference has the top 4 teams in an 18 team league. I wouldn't at all be surprised to see all NZ semi finals.

[St. Pats]

Can Canada's men's sevens team get any worse. They are unbelievably bad at the moment / not even remotely competitive / getting smoked often / when was the last time they even won a game?

[FireGilbert]

Can Canada's men's sevens team get any worse. They are unbelievably bad at the moment / not even remotely competitive / getting smoked often / when was the last time they even won a game?

Canada's last win was in Singapore against the Rugby powerhouse of South Korea. Agreed they are horrible right now. They have a few good players but absolutely no depth.

In other Sevens news, former Australian Rugby League star turned San Francisco 49ers bench warmer, Jarryd Hayne has retried from the NFL after one season in an attempt to join the Fiji Sevens team at the Olympics.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/jarryd-hayne-makes-shock-retirement-from-nfl-to-chase-olympic-sevens-dream-for-fiji/news-story/c2de2c36dbd9e3add0937946104ee944

I don't know how easy it is to switch from American Football to Sevens in a few months, especially trying to join the best team in the world, but good luck to him.

[undercoverbrother]

Can Canada's men's sevens team get any worse. They are unbelievably bad at the moment / not even remotely competitive / getting smoked often / when was the last time they even won a game?

Because the are forced to play two sports.

I have said this before, and discussed it with Slava:

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/summer/olympic-impact-rugby-canada-1.3562037

The repechage tournament coincides with the three 15s tests in June. "None of the 7s boys will be available for those stops because of Olympic qualification and hopefully preparation for Rio," says Nathan Hirayama, a member of Canada's two national rugby teams.

Hirayama has first-hand experience dealing with the challenges of shifting between the two versions of rugby. For Hirayama and other dual-team members like John Moonlight and Conor Trainor, navigating the schedules of two national teams can be difficult.

"It's playing two different sports basically, so it is difficult," says Hirayama. "It was a handful of us right out of Pan Am Games in Toronto who knew we'd be going into the 15s full for the summer, and we were all hoping to make that World Cup team."

From the Horse's mouth.

That being said this was out of this world skill!!!

dByZVxLQk4w

[undercoverbrother]

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=95187

I am very happy and excited for a my friend. He live in Calgary.

d by new head coach Mark Anscombe, Rugby Alberta’s Graeme Moffat has been named Canada’s assistant coach. Moffat was Canada’s attack coach at last year’s Rugby World Cup and the Americas Rugby Championship earlier this year. Moffat will continue to develop rugby in the province and will be with the team for all competition windows.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Graeme,” Anscombe said. “He’s done well with the Prairie Wolf Pack and has obviously been involved in the national team setup recently. He’s a promising coach that I look forward to working with.”

“I’m excited to be back and looking forward to carrying on from last year’s Rugby World Cup and the ARC earlier this year,” said Moffat. “I’ve had some great conversations with Mark and I’m eager for the summer ahead.”

[FireGilbert]

Because the are forced to play two sports.



What about the Ioane brothers and a couple other Kiwis who have been playing Super Rugby and Sevens this season?

Yes, I realise "but the All Blacks can do it" is not a great argument.

[St. Pats]

Yeah I don't get the two sports thing either. It's not like they are any good at 15's either. Cobbling together a team isn't helping either team. They should just split them now and work on their depth by adding new players and young players. Not like they would be doing any worst than getting smoked by Russia et. al.

[undercoverbrother]

What about the Ioane brothers and a couple other Kiwis who have been playing Super Rugby and Sevens this season?

Yes, I realise "but the All Blacks can do it" is not a great argument.

Yeah I don't get the two sports thing either. It's not like they are any good at 15's either. Cobbling together a team isn't helping either team. They should just split them now and work on their depth by adding new players and young players. Not like they would be doing any worst than getting smoked by Russia et. al.

FG, you are siting exceptions to the rule.

Listen this isn't random internet guy saying 7's and 15's are "different" sports.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/feedtest/nrscottishsport/5704874/The-difference-between-7s-and-15s.html

I am basing this off my playing experience (27 years of 15's and 7's, albeit at the Provincial level) and talking to national coaches/players.

On a local Alberta note, if you are in Edmonton this weekend you should check this out.

http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2016/05/17/alberta-name-squad-blues-match/

raeme Moffat has named 26 players to prepare for the Alberta Select XV match against the Ontario Blues at Ellerslie Park in Edmonton on Sunday. While the team will not officially play under the Wolf Pack banner, the game will serve as a prelude to the Canadian Rugby Championship season which begins in March, where a large number of the players involved will look to defend their CRC title.

FORWARDS
John Braddock (Rams), Peter Houlihan (Druids), Ryan Kotlewski (Saints), Nick McAuley (Saints), Matt Harrison (St. Albert), Wayde Hodgen (Hornets), Casey Reed (Clansmen), Eric Lopatinsky (Hornets), Connor Sorensen (Saints), Conor Turner (Hornets), Jonny Clarke (St. Albert), Orrin Farries (St. Albert), Kyle Morrison (Nor’westers), Clay Panga (St. Albert)

BACKS
Jake Bentley (Canucks), Jake Robinson (St. Albert), Gordon McRorie (Hornets), Joe Erlic (Clansmen), Matt Mackenzie (Clansmen), Mozac Samson (Saints), Aaron Evison (Druids), Duncan Maguire (St. Albert), Ian Shoults (Irish), Graham Turner (Hornets), Dave Evans (Bow Valley), Liam O’Hallahan (Grande Prairie)

I am happy to see Wade Hodgen in the squad, really promising you player that played down in NZ and just finished as season over in Scotland.

[FireGilbert]

Canada won a Sevens match! 24-19 over Samoa.

[Yorkshire Flame]

League gives you the opportunity to travel to Yorkshire.

Yorkshire is absolutely beautiful.

There's definitely a huge North/South disparity with League vs. Union (in England); therefore, some people grow up League and some people grow up Union. I've grown up League, and to be honest, I prefer the speed of the game. I think that uncontested rucks and scrums encourage more athletic front rowers, and make it a bit quicker.

Having said that, if Union's on the TV I'll watch. I'll also try to make a point of watching the International Tests/6 Nations/World Cup, but definitely Rhinos >> all else :D

[undercoverbrother]

Yorkshire is absolutely beautiful.

There's definitely a huge North/South disparity with League vs. Union (in England); therefore, some people grow up League and some people grow up Union. I've grown up League, and to be honest, I prefer the speed of the game. I think that uncontested rucks and scrums encourage more athletic front rowers, and make it a bit quicker.

Having said that, if Union's on the TV I'll watch. I'll also try to make a point of watching the International Tests/6 Nations/World Cup, but definitely Rhinos >> all else :D

Yorkshire is lovely.

My mother's family comes from Brighouse so I have been there many times. I had some of the best Fish & Chips of my life there. Also spent many a night in my uncle's working man's club.

[FireGilbert]

Yorkshire is absolutely beautiful.

There's definitely a huge North/South disparity with League vs. Union (in England); therefore, some people grow up League and some people grow up Union. I've grown up League, and to be honest, I prefer the speed of the game. I think that uncontested rucks and scrums encourage more athletic front rowers, and make it a bit quicker.

Having said that, if Union's on the TV I'll watch. I'll also try to make a point of watching the International Tests/6 Nations/World Cup, but definitely Rhinos >> all else :D

Nothing against Yorkshire. Just pointing out from an Australian point of view that League players get to travel to Northern England while Union players get to travel to Paris, Rome, Cape Town, Buenes Aires, etc.

Lots of good rugby in Sydney at the moment. I saw the Waratahs smash the Chiefs last night in what was possibly the most entertaining rugby game I have ever been to. There were 10 tries!

Also, Wednesday night is the opening game of the Rugby League State of Origin Series between New South Wales and Queensland (Go the Maroons!). I consider this to be the highest quality Rugby League in the world. If you are not a fan of league, check it out and you will be converted.

[undercoverbrother]

Nothing against Yorkshire. Just pointing out from an Australian point of view that League players get to travel to Northern England while Union players get to travel to Paris, Rome, Cape Town, Buenes Aires, etc.

Lots of good rugby in Sydney at the moment. I saw the Waratahs smash the Chiefs last night in what was possibly the most entertaining rugby game I have ever been to. There were 10 tries!

Also, Wednesday night is the opening game of the Rugby League State of Origin Series between New South Wales and Queensland (Go the Maroons!). I consider this to be the highest quality Rugby League in the world. If you are not a fan of league, check it out and you will be converted.

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13315354_584185695076567_5442029169994565768_n.jpg ?oh=0f42b1cd9a0c9391597a203ea27f26d5&oe=57E63F49

[Party Elephant]

The All Blacks take to the field for the first time since winning the world cup tonight in Auckland against Wales. Two amazing stats going into this one:

-The All Blacks are on a 38 game home winning streak. The last time they lost at home was in 2009 against South Africa.

-The All Blacks winning streak at Eden Park, tonight's venue, is at 35 games dating back to 1994 against France. This match was the late Jonah Lomu's first test cap.

[Party Elephant]

Also, I hope UCB is ok, he hasn't posted since starting that thread about health problems...

[Slava]

Canada fought hard down to the wire but a try was held up on the last play and they drop a close one to Japan. It was a pretty fun game to watch and Canada was in control it seemed...until Japan went down to 14 men on a pretty dirty play. Then Japan scored I think 10 unanswered and were in the clear by two scores. Canada needed a try to win and they were really close.

I think it bodes well for Canada though as they played a lot of subs and worked everyone into the game. They really lost this one on the backs of their kicking, as they were terrible both in conversions and penalties. Leaving I think 12 points on the table. Next up is Russia right here in Calgary next Saturday afternoon.

I watched a bit of Ireland/SA today with the Irish getting the better of the Boks despite being down to 14 men. I don't have video to link, but there was also a big hit on a kick block where the SA player was knocked out and had to be stretchered off. It was a clear yellow, as he got the hip in the face and it didn't seem incredibly malicious...but then he did nail the kicker after he kicked and it was a card. Big upset for Ireland regardless though.

[Locke]

I didnt catch all of it but that drive at the end where they got held up? Bah! Amazing. Lots of potential.

[Slava]

I didnt catch all of it but that drive at the end where they got held up? Bah! Amazing. Lots of potential.

I really thought that they should go wide with it at the end. Clearly Japan was just stacking their players against the pack at that point. Its always easier at home though!

[undercoverbrother]

Also, I hope UCB is ok, he hasn't posted since starting that thread about health problems...

Still warm the blood that courses through my veins, just had a death to deal with. The Game Played in Heaven got another player, sadly it was far too soon.

[undercoverbrother]

I really thought that they should go wide with it at the end. Clearly Japan was just stacking their players against the pack at that point. Its always easier at home though!

White Line fever.


It Canada makes more kicks they win the game. Gordie had a bad day with the boot, he's usually better.

[FLAMESRULE]

We are heading to Australia this September and will in Brisbane for the Sept 10th match of the Wallabies vs. S. Africa (and/or possibly Perth Sept 17 vs. Argentina). I've never seen a live rugby game and am super pumped to try and get tickets for this.

Any idea on how to best get tickets?? I've signed up for the presales online, but any other options?

PUMPED!!! We ended up getting tickets yesterday through the presale. I had softball so couldnt jump on as it opened, but the seats are in Sec 339, row 21 (right on the sec 340 aisle). Had lots of options in Row 1, but I wanted to be up a bit higher to see the full field.

Will be our first major rugby game...so jacked.

[St. Pats]

Canada beat Russia pretty easily in Calgary in fifteens rugby. Unfortunately in sevens rugby Canada bombed out of the Olympics losing to the Russians. They dropped the final round robin game before that to Germany which is hard to believe. No Olympics and going backwards in sevens. They need a total housecleaning and a new approach.

[undercoverbrother]

Canada beat Russia pretty easily in Calgary in fifteens rugby. Unfortunately in sevens rugby Canada bombed out of the Olympics losing to the Russians. They dropped the final round robin game before that to Germany which is hard to believe. No Olympics and going backwards in sevens. They need a total housecleaning and a new approach.

Yeah watched some of that tourney, the skills on display were shocking.

That being said, I did fist pump Spain, good on them. Never gave up and stole if from Samoa (which makes the pain from Canada a but easier). Samoa has fallen off the map.

The fella that impressed me was the big Zimbabwean Sitta (sp?).

All in all it was a poor advert for a poor version of rugby.

[FireGilbert]

PUMPED!!! We ended up getting tickets yesterday through the presale. I had softball so couldnt jump on as it opened, but the seats are in Sec 339, row 21 (right on the sec 340 aisle). Had lots of options in Row 1, but I wanted to be up a bit higher to see the full field.

Will be our first major rugby game...so jacked.

Have fun! You've got great seats at the best rugby stadium in Australia (also 4th best in the world according to this article: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/23-best-rugby-stadiums-world-11366548)

Also, good call not going for row 1. The views are better higher up and you will be under cover in case it rains.

[undercoverbrother]

PUMPED!!! We ended up getting tickets yesterday through the presale. I had softball so couldnt jump on as it opened, but the seats are in Sec 339, row 21 (right on the sec 340 aisle). Had lots of options in Row 1, but I wanted to be up a bit higher to see the full field.

Will be our first major rugby game...so jacked.


Did you have fun?

I didn't see the game, sounded like a shoot out.

Got to see the SA v Irish game.

Sadly, SA won, but played less rugby than the Irish.

[FLAMESRULE]

Did you have fun?

I didn't see the game, sounded like a shoot out.

Got to see the SA v Irish game.

Sadly, SA won, but played less rugby than the Irish.

Game isn't until Sept 10 in Brisbane...but rest assured it'll be a frikken blast.

[undercoverbrother]

Game isn't until Sept 10 in Brisbane...but rest assured it'll be a frikken blast.

:bag:

Sorry, half reading.


Make sure you pick a good theme for your fancy dress.

[FireGilbert]

Super Rugby playoffs start this weekend:

#5 Highlanders @ #4 Brumbies
#8 Sharks @ #1 Hurricanes
#7 Crusaders @ #2 Lions
#6 Chiefs @ #3 Stormers

There was some controversy over the new playoff format but it worked out pretty good this season with the top 8 teams making the playoffs. The New Zealand teams completely dominated and feature in each quarter final. Even their last place team, the Blues, finished with a respectable 8-6-1 record. Also, the 6 time last place Lions were a surprise finishing 2nd overall.

My pick is the Hurricanes win. They were red hot to end the season and home advantage will be a major factor with the ridiculous travel involved.

[Party Elephant]

Damnit crusaders! We were so close to having all NZ semi finals but 3 out of 4 still ain't bad. My only hope of attending a playoff game now is if it's highlanders-chiefs final but I'm backing the hurricanes to win their semifinal.

Can you believe that the Hurricanes 41-0 win was the first playoff shutout in super rugby history, and it was followed up a few hours later by the second with the Chiefs winning 60-0 in Cape Town?

[FireGilbert]

Damnit crusaders! We were so close to having all NZ semi finals but 3 out of 4 still ain't bad. My only hope of attending a playoff game now is if it's highlanders-chiefs final but I'm backing the hurricanes to win their semifinal.

The NZ teams were so good this season. In a year with ridiculous travel their insane depth really paid of. By contrast it was a horrible year for Australian rugby going 0-3 hosting England and then only having one Super Rugby playoff team.

Can you believe that the Hurricanes 41-0 win was the first playoff shutout in super rugby history, and it was followed up a few hours later by the second with the Chiefs winning 60-0 in Cape Town?

Where are you getting 60-0 from? It was 60-21. Still a blowout but not a shutout.

I wasn't surprised the Hurricanes won a blowout shutout. With the new playoff format of 8 team the Sharks were the pretty much the worst playoff team in history. I was surprised a playoff shutout had never happened before though.

My pick is a Canes vs Lions final.

[Party Elephant]

The NZ teams were so good this season. In a year with ridiculous travel their insane depth really paid of. By contrast it was a horrible year for Australian rugby going 0-3 hosting England and then only having one Super Rugby playoff team.



Where are you getting 60-0 from? It was 60-21. Still a blowout but not a shutout.

I wasn't surprised the Hurricanes won a blowout shutout. With the new playoff format of 8 team the Sharks were the pretty much the worst playoff team in history. I was surprised a playoff shutout had never happened before though.

My pick is a Canes vs Lions final.
Yeah I think I was half asleep when I read the score of that game :bag:

[FireGilbert]

The final is set: Lions at Hurricanes August 6th 7:35pm Wellington time. A few facts:

-Both teams had great seasons finishing 1st and 2nd overall while outscoring their playoff opponents 66-9 for the Hurricanes and 84-55 for the Lions.
-It is the 2nd year in a row the final is in Wellington. The Canes lost last season to the Highlanders.
-The Hurricanes beat the Lions 50-17 in Johannesburg in their one match this season
-Both teams are looking for their first Super Ruby Championship. The Hurricanes are the only New Zealand team without a title win while the Lions are the trying to become the 2nd South African team to win.

[Party Elephant]

Go Canes! My first live rugby game was Canes/Chiefs in Wellington a few years back. It's a great stadium that gets really loud when there's a good crowd as the roof keeps a lot of noise in. The winds in Wellington can play havoc on the kicking game if it's a stormy night. Also have to respect what the Lions have done this year, going from bottom feeder to legitimate contender. I still believe the South African teams benefitted from playing more games against trash teams this year, but the Lions have won two playoff games against very good NZ teams so there's no doubting their status as a top team.

Should be a hell of a final!

[undercoverbrother]

Aviva Premiership on TV:

http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2016/09/01/sportsnet-broadcast-premiership-canada/

[Slava]

I don't know if anyone else is planning on watching some of the Premiership, but the Leicester/Gloucester match yesterday was excellent. Worcester/Saracens are closing in on kickoff right now on SN West.

[undercoverbrother]

I don't know if anyone else is planning on watching some of the Premiership, but the Leicester/Gloucester match yesterday was excellent. Worcester/Saracens are closing in on kickoff right now on SN West.

I missed the game(s), but plan to catch some. Can't decide if I will get SNW, depends on the time for games.

At this point in the season the Premiership plays good rugby, but I find that when the dog days of winter arrive, it gets a little tough to watch at times.

[undercoverbrother]

Have fun! You've got great seats at the best rugby stadium in Australia (also 4th best in the world according to this article: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/23-best-rugby-stadiums-world-11366548)

Also, good call not going for row 1. The views are better higher up and you will be under cover in case it rains.

Hey FireGilbert, are you doing any fancy dress for the game?

[FireGilbert]

Hey FireGilbert, are you doing any fancy dress for the game?

I'm not going to the game, FLAMESRULE is.

I haven't been to as much rugby as I'd like in the past year. Just one sevens, one league and one union game.

I'm very glad I didn't go to the Bledisloe the other week though, what a bloodbath. It has been a horrible year for Australian Rugby.

[Slava]

Thought I should note here that Rugby Championship is on TV in the middle of the night. New Zealand plays Argentina and then South Africa plays Australia and the games are on TSN. Should be excellent games.

[Locke]

Okay, surely late to the party but holy crapsauce I just watched the New Zealand/Argentina game from a while ago and that was pure, unadulterated madness. What a match!

The All Blacks were rocking on their heels for quite a while and the start of the second half was some of the best Rugby I've seen for a long time from both sides.

But the culmination of it all was watching the All Blacks pick themselves up, dust themselves off and then just absolutely ruin their opponents.

Dont take me wrong, the Pumas put in a hell of an effort and at times really put their backs to the wall, but watching the ABs just get it together and then relentlessly punish their opponents was a thing of beauty.

[FireGilbert]

Okay, surely late to the party but holy crapsauce I just watched the New Zealand/Argentina game from a while ago and that was pure, unadulterated madness. What a match!

The All Blacks were rocking on their heels for quite a while and the start of the second half was some of the best Rugby I've seen for a long time from both sides.

But the culmination of it all was watching the All Blacks pick themselves up, dust themselves off and then just absolutely ruin their opponents.

Dont take me wrong, the Pumas put in a hell of an effort and at times really put their backs to the wall, but watching the ABs just get it together and then relentlessly punish their opponents was a thing of beauty.

You are so late to the party that you are early for the next one. The two teams play again this Saturday in Buenos Aires which means it will be on at a good time for Canadian viewers.

Yes it was a great game that was closer than the final score. The ABs are dominating with superior depth. Other teams can be even with them for 40 minutes but lack the bench to compete once the subs start playing in the 2nd half.

I have been very impressed with the Pumas this season however. I'd say they are now on par with South Africa and Australia.

[Locke]

You are so late to the party that you are early for the next one. The two teams play again this Saturday in Buenos Aires which means it will be on at a good time for Canadian viewers.

Yes it was a great game that was closer than the final score. The ABs are dominating with superior depth. Other teams can be even with them for 40 minutes but lack the bench to compete once the subs start playing in the 2nd half.

I have been very impressed with the Pumas this season however. I'd say they are now on par with South Africa and Australia.

1. Yes.

2. Also Yes.

3. You have to admit though, a hell of a game. The bench is going to be HUGE in Rugby in the near future, NZ can launch waves of 1st team players at you and just grind you into the earth.

[FireGilbert]

David Pocock's hand after surgery. Do not click on this link if you are squeamish.

Are you sure?https://www.instagram.com/p/BKx0CanDR3G/

[Locke]

You are so late to the party that you are early for the next one. The two teams play again this Saturday in Buenos Aires which means it will be on at a good time for Canadian viewers.

Yes it was a great game that was closer than the final score. The ABs are dominating with superior depth. Other teams can be even with them for 40 minutes but lack the bench to compete once the subs start playing in the 2nd half.

I have been very impressed with the Pumas this season however. I'd say they are now on par with South Africa and Australia.

I'm still laughing at this line. Well done sir.

I have new challenges when it comes to sports, I have a new dog and he doesnt like sports on TV, its all about a ball he cant catch and he'll have no truck with this voodoo.

[undercoverbrother]

David Pocock's hand after surgery. Do not click on this link if you are squeamish.

Are you sure?https://www.instagram.com/p/BKx0CanDR3G/

So he is part machine.


it all makes sense now

[Locke]

You are so late to the party that you are early for the next one. The two teams play again this Saturday in Buenos Aires which means it will be on at a good time for Canadian viewers.

Yes it was a great game that was closer than the final score. The ABs are dominating with superior depth. Other teams can be even with them for 40 minutes but lack the bench to compete once the subs start playing in the 2nd half.

I have been very impressed with the Pumas this season however. I'd say they are now on par with South Africa and Australia.

Well...spoiler tags in case people havent been able to watch them yet, I PVR'd them myself and just finished through them. One of the benefits of Rugby being more or less unknown over here is that having the scores 'spoiled' for you is pretty much just not a concern.

New Zealand vs. Argentina:

- That was...I dont know what that was other than some unreal Rugby. The ABs getting into some unusual penalty trouble but even an out of sorts, under-strength NZ was more than a match for the Pumas, but they put them under some immense pressure, granted, once the game was all but already done.

One thing that bugs me about Argentina is that they almost have a soccer mentality with all the cheap little crap after the whistles or just pushing every boundary.

The other thing that bothers me about Argentina comes from more of a strategy perspective. They play some amazing Rugby, they move the ball incredibly well and they like direct play, move the ball and then run at defenders and its brilliant stuff to watch, but its also stupid, especially against a team like the All Blacks.

Argentina have a few very key players and they lean on them heavily and then play this intense, direct style that grinds their own players down just as much as it grinds their opponents, and, put quite simply; you arent going to defeat New Zealand in a battle of attrition. Their substitutes bench is better than most country's starting squads.

It just seems like a stupid gambit.

Australia vs. South Africa:

- What a match, the Aussies looked like they were going to take it to the Boks initially, but this was a chess match and, like most games between these two, it came to kicking with Steyn scoring all 18 Bok points.

Discipline is what killed the Aussies on this one, as well as over-confidence.

I mean, they asked their kicker to take penalties from 63, 58 and 55 meters, he consequently missed all 3. Thats a 'Hail Mary' plain and simple and they werent at the point to need that at the time.

The Boks got into Aussie territory twice in the entire second half and both times came away with points. The Aussies spent almost the entire second half in the Boks' half and came away with zip.

You can tell that losing is really grinding the Aussies down. Lots of dodgy plays and indiscipline. If they played like that against NZ they'd get slaughtered.

That being said, being fair to both sides the officiating was straight up terrible, I've never seen a match called as poorly as that. I think at least 6 times the commentators showed the referee allowing knock-ons, forward passes and bad tackles. It was like he was wearing a yellow jersey.

Adriaan Strauss with a huge game, Steyn goes without saying. Also, a bit of an unsung hero of this match but Eben Etzebeth is a terrifying human being. Just a massive, massive human with a mean streak.

Anyways, one of the things that always bothers me when these two teams meet is that its a kicking match. Its a battle of discipline and the team with the better kicker tends to win and this was no exception.

Either way though, two absolutely stunning matches. Watch them!

[FireGilbert]

^Did we watch the same games? They were okay but calling them absolutely stunning is a little much.

NZ vs Argentina had lots of exciting tries but was just a blowout with a weird 2nd half. The game was basically over after the first half and but then the ABs took their foot off the pedal, got sin binned and allowed the Pumas to dominate the 2nd.

In the other game the Boks were average at best and had to rely on 6 penalties to win. The Wallabies were the better team and had all the possession but kept making mistakes at the worst times. Also, I agree the officiating was poor.

The best rugby match this weekend was the Australian National Rugby League Grand Final. It was an intense nail biter that wasn't settled til the very end:

7uaiY9Qvka4

[Party Elephant]

I've entered the lottery for tickets to All Blacks vs Lions at Eden Park next year! Will be an amazing weekend if I get to go!

The demand for tickets to the Lions series is so high that they've implemented a lottery system. It is a once every 12 years event after all

[Locke]

^Did we watch the same games? They were okay but calling them absolutely stunning is a little much.

NZ vs Argentina had lots of exciting tries but was just a blowout with a weird 2nd half. The game was basically over after the first half and but then the ABs took their foot off the pedal, got sin binned and allowed the Pumas to dominate the 2nd.

In the other game the Boks were average at best and had to rely on 6 penalties to win. The Wallabies were the better team and had all the possession but kept making mistakes at the worst times. Also, I agree the officiating was poor.

The best rugby match this weekend was the Australian National Rugby League Grand Final. It was an intense nail biter that wasn't settled til the very end:

7uaiY9Qvka4

Yeah, or maybe I'm just easily impressed. I liked them. They were wild games to watch.

[undercoverbrother]

^Did we watch the same games? They were okay but calling them absolutely stunning is a little much.

NZ vs Argentina had lots of exciting tries but was just a blowout with a weird 2nd half. The game was basically over after the first half and but then the ABs took their foot off the pedal, got sin binned and allowed the Pumas to dominate the 2nd.

In the other game the Boks were average at best and had to rely on 6 penalties to win. The Wallabies were the better team and had all the possession but kept making mistakes at the worst times. Also, I agree the officiating was poor.

The best rugby match this weekend was the Australian National Rugby League Grand Final. It was an intense nail biter that wasn't settled til the very end:

7uaiY9Qvka4

I have tried to get into League, through watching it and playing it, but I just can't.

[Party Elephant]

I have tried to get into League, through watching it and playing it, but I just can't.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: fish flopping

[FireGilbert]

I've entered the lottery for tickets to All Blacks vs Lions at Eden Park next year! Will be an amazing weekend if I get to go!

The demand for tickets to the Lions series is so high that they've implemented a lottery system. It is a once every 12 years event after all

Good luck you'll need it. I wanted to go in 2013 but the tour sold out in 5 minutes. I doesn't help a bunch of the tickets are allocated for British fans.

If you can't get to the ABs game at least try to see one of the warm up matches against a Super Rugby team.

[FireGilbert]

I have tried to get into League, through watching it and playing it, but I just can't.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: fish flopping

Where is that poster from Yorkshire who will stick up for League? To be fair I have never met a League fan who has not spent some time of their life in Queensland, New South Wales or North England.

I prefer Union but recently had a good debate with a co-worker who loves League and can't stand Union. His criticisms were:

-It has too much kicking and games are full of boring penalty goals
-It has a slower pace with more stoppages
-I don't understand rucks and the ruck penalties
-The scrums are so boring when they are repeatedly re-set

Most of the locals agree with him too. This year the Bledisloe had a crowd of ~60k while the League final had a crowd of ~90k.

[FLAMESRULE]

In the other game the Boks were average at best and had to rely on 6 penalties to win. The Wallabies were the better team and had all the possession but kept making mistakes at the worst times. Also, I agree the officiating was poor.

The best rugby match this weekend was the Australian National Rugby League Grand Final. It was an intense nail biter that wasn't settled til the very end:

7uaiY9Qvka4

And I was at the Storm vs Sharks game. My GOD was it awesome!!! We watched the Storm beat the Raiders the week before in Melbourne and were hooked. What an amazing game...totally fell in love with League when we were Down Under. Was cheering on the Storm but Cronulla eked it out...they waited 50 years for their first championship. Was just so much entertainment at both games. We saw an AFL game as well, Geelong hit wall papered byou Sydney. It was fun but it's pure chaos.

Also saw the Wallabies beat the Bokkers earlier in Brisbane. Was a great time as well but just didn't have the same vibe at all. And my God are S. Africans racist. Mind blowingly.

Will try and post some pics later. Jet lag sucks. Lol

[undercoverbrother]

Where is that poster from Yorkshire who will stick up for League? To be fair I have never met a League fan who has not spent some time of their life in Queensland, New South Wales or North England.

I prefer Union but recently had a good debate with a co-worker who loves League and can't stand Union. His criticisms were:

-It has too much kicking and games are full of boring penalty goals
-It has a slower pace with more stoppages
-I don't understand rucks and the ruck penalties
-The scrums are so boring when they are repeatedly re-set

Most of the locals agree with him too. This year the Bledisloe had a crowd of ~60k while the League final had a crowd of ~90k.

Those are good arguments, and some are valid.

That being said, I hate the guaranteed possession in League, the battle for the ball at ruck time is important. It punishes players for bad technique. I agree with the scrum. But, to be frank how do you stop it. Perhaps, put a time limit on the scrum? I dislike that League got away from the lineout, it is a great attacking option.

League in comparison to Union is a very small, geographically localized game (as is Union to an extent).

[FireGilbert]

And I was at the Storm vs Sharks game. My GOD was it awesome!!! We watched the Storm beat the Raiders the week before in Melbourne and were hooked. What an amazing game...totally fell in love with League when we were Down Under. Was cheering on the Storm but Cronulla eked it out...they waited 50 years for their first championship. Was just so much entertainment at both games. We saw an AFL game as well, Geelong hit wall papered byou Sydney. It was fun but it's pure chaos.

Also saw the Wallabies beat the Bokkers earlier in Brisbane. Was a great time as well but just didn't have the same vibe at all. And my God are S. Africans racist. Mind blowingly.

Will try and post some pics later. Jet lag sucks. Lol

Great post. Sounds like you had an awesome trip and it's nice to see another League convert. What did you think about Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney? They are all great cities but I think I like Sydney the best. Just wish it wasn't so damn expensive here.

Aussies are not really into Union right now after a horrible Super Rugby season and test matches. It also doesn't help Union is only played in private schools so barely any kids learn the game growing up. Haha, yes Saffas are pretty racist. They make Aussies look modern and progressive in comparison.

It sure was a great grand final although not quite as good as the one last year which went to extra time. I was also cheering for Melbourne since I work in Cronulla and can't stand the Sharks.

[FLAMESRULE]

Great post. Sounds like you had an awesome trip and it's nice to see another League convert. What did you think about Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney? They are all great cities but I think I like Sydney the best. Just wish it wasn't so damn expensive here.

Aussies are not really into Union right now after a horrible Super Rugby season and test matches. It also doesn't help Union is only played in private schools so barely any kids learn the game growing up. Haha, yes Saffas are pretty racist. They make Aussies look modern and progressive in comparison.

It sure was a great grand final although not quite as good as the one last year which went to extra time. I was also cheering for Melbourne since I work in Cronulla and can't stand the Sharks.

It was an incredible trip, and we're super fortunate to have been able to do it. Of the cities we visited (Brisbane, Port Douglas, Darwin, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney) I liked Brisbane the best. It's a bit smaller than Sydney, but had the feel of a city the size of Calgary with everything you could want to do. It was a tad cheaper as well. My wife liked Adelaide the best, which I quite liked as well, but it has a sleepier/quieter feel to it. Melbourne felt like TO...little too corporate but the best food. Sydney was fantastic, but it's sooooo expensive. Canberra is easily the oddest city I've ever been too...for being master planned everything is ridiculously far apart. But it did have a top 3 highlight of Tidbinbilla National Park. Spectacular.

Yeah, I couldn't believe what I was hearing from the S. Africans at the game. It was appalling actually. And you hit the nail on the head saying they make Aussies look progressive!! I had no idea about the Cronulla race riots, and its why I was cheering for Melbourne (plus we were there the week earlier). It's a weird dichotomy there we found...on some things they are super progressive, like pay way, and then we hear Vanilla Ice every second day and wonder if we're in a time warp.

One thing I did forget to say is the ANZ stadium in Sydney and AAMI Park in Melbourne are AWESOME venues to watch a game at. Particularly AAMI...that is exactly what the Stampeders need here. MCG was super cool to go too, but you can tell its getting a bit long in the tooth. Suncorp in Brisbane was nice as well, but it just didnt feel as nice as AAMI or ANZ.

Should also add that the Grand Final felt super similar to the Grey Cups here. Every team had a bunch of fans there, all looking to have a good time. Never saw any stupidity, just a lot of good natured ribbing and tears on Cronulla fans.

[Locke]

Generally speaking athletes tend to spend a lot of time and effort on their images, especially in sports without helmets but on the All Blacks there's one player who just has the worst haircut.

I don't mean it's ugly, or I don't like it, it's just very clearly been done badly. And it's consistent. It's like his mom still cuts his hair.

Israel Dagg.

[Slava]

Generally speaking athletes tend to spend a lot of time and effort on their images, especially in sports without helmets but on the All Blacks there's one player who just has the worst haircut.

I don't mean it's ugly, or I don't like it, it's just very clearly been done badly. And it's consistent. It's like his mom still cuts his hair.

Israel Dagg.

Yeah but the fact that he's such a great runner makes up for his poor fashion sense!

[Locke]

Wallabies played a hell of a game and got a bit jobbed by a poor TMO call disallowing a try.

[Locke]

This is kind of interesting, I think the TMO got disallowing that Wallaby try wrong, but Owens was convinced that the try was good but eventually just went with the TMO's decision because he was adamant.

Then at the end of the game the ABs score a try after a forward pass that the TMO is unsure of and Owens overrules him and disallows that try as well.

I assume that the buck stops with Owens and that he can overrule the TMO.

Entertaining game nonetheless, I have to make it to one of these one day.

Now who is to say what would have happened had that Aussie try stood, but it likely would have put them ahead 17-15 and the ABs kind of stumbled out of the gates in the second half.

But thats the thing about the ABs, they just need one play and then all the gears synch up and they steamroll you.

They pulled Beau Barrett off really early because he just wasnt clicking, it wasnt his day. Thats their depth. They can pull off the guy that has arguably been their MVP and just go without him.

[FireGilbert]

Wallabies played a hell of a game and got a bit jobbed by a poor TMO call disallowing a try.

Once again I think we watched different games... The Wallabies had no chance even with a disallowed try. They played better controlling the possession but still made way too many mistakes. If not for some great defence the All Blacks could have put up 70 points.

In any case the ABs are now on a 18 game winning streak. Their next game is actually in North America, taking on the Irish at Soldier Field on November 5th.

[Locke]

Once again I think we watched different games... The Wallabies had no chance even with a disallowed try. They played better controlling the possession but still made way too many mistakes. If not for some great defence the All Blacks could have put up 70 points.

In any case the ABs are now on a 18 game winning streak. Their next game is actually in North America, taking on the Irish at Soldier Field on November 5th.

You and I see things very differently, but again, I hardly consider myself to be an expert in all things Rugby.

I saw that game as very tight until the ABs broke it open, if the Wallabies grabbed a small lead at 50 mins I dont think it turns into a 70 point ass-kicking.

No arguing that kicking things up a few gears is something the All Blacks absolutely have in their locker, but take a lead on them and change tactics and who knows what can happen.

[undercoverbrother]

Just found out a buddy of mine has been brought into the USA Eagles set up as a consultant.

Pretty damn cool.

I am proud of him and happy for him.

[FireGilbert]

Another major sporting drought has just been broken in Chicago. Ireland has defeated the All Blacks, ending their record winning streak, and giving the Irish their first ever win over New Zealand since they started playing in 1905.

[Slava]

Wow! I know a bunch of guys who went down there for that one, and what a time to be there. First the world series parade/party and now the Irish win (at least one is an Irish citizen). Could see Chicago drunk dry!

[undercoverbrother]

https://www.facebook.com/PunditArenaRugby/photos/a.678797625477889.1073741828.674954515862200/1316803811677264/?type=3

[undercoverbrother]

http://www.raeburnshield.com/

The Raeburn Shield is a Challenge Trophy to be put up by the current holder, or defender, in every match it plays home or away (in the same manner as a world boxing title). The winner would either remain or become the holder.

It stretches back in this manner from the very first game of International Rugby Union in 1871 between Scotland and England played at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh (Hence the name).

[undercoverbrother]

http://www.worldrugby.org/news/202102

WORLD RUGBY MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

BEAUDEN BARRETT (NEW ZEALAND)
Any fears New Zealand fans may have had about the No.10 jersey following Dan Carter’s retirement have been eased by the scintillating displays of Beauden Barrett in 2016, the 25-year-old having carried his Super Rugby form onto the international stage. The attack-minded player, equally at home at fly-half or full-back, has scored seven tries in 2016 with defences often left flat-footed by his step and turn of pace. Barrett could reach the 50-test milestone by the end of the year.

DANE COLES (NEW ZEALAND)
The All Blacks hooker, who turns 30 next month, is the epitome of the modern-day front row, with his strength, speed and mobility often seeing him pop up on the wing to finish off a flowing move. Dane Coles has started 11 of the All Blacks’ tests in 2016, scoring four tries and strengthening his position as the world’s number one hooker. He also led the Hurricanes to a maiden Super Rugby title in 2016 and could reach 50 tests by the time New Zealand bring the curtain down on a season which saw them equal Lithuania’s record of 18 consecutive test victories.

OWEN FARRELL (ENGLAND)
This year has seen the 25-year-old utilised by coach Eddie Jones as an inside-centre, playing outside George Ford as they did for England U20s. The positional switch has not affected his influence, however, and he finished the Six Nations as top points scorer with 69 and was named man of the match in the final test against Australia in June. This is the second time the Saracens player, who has 44 caps to his name, has been nominated for this award, having lost out to Dan Carter in 2012.

JAMIE HEASLIP (IRELAND)
The Ireland vice-captain is the oldest – he turns 33 next month – and most capped of the six nominees, having reached 94 tests for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions in what is his 10th season as an international player. A talisman of the Irish squad, the Israel-born number eight has scored three tries in his nine matches in 2016, one of them against Italy being nominated for the IRPA Try of the Year 2016. Heaslip was shortlisted for World Rugby Player of the Year in 2009, an award claimed by Richie McCaw.

MARO ITOJE (ENGLAND)
The youngest of the nominees at only 22, Maro Itoje is also nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year accolade after quickly establishing himself in the England second row since his debut off the bench against Italy in the Six Nations in February. England’s World Rugby U20 Championship-winning captain in 2014, Itoje shows a calmness and maturity beyond his years with nothing seeming to faze the second-row.

BILLY VUNIPOLA (ENGLAND)
The England number eight has come of age in 2016, thriving under the guidance of new coach Eddie Jones who has given him the responsibility of vice-captain and managed to extract the best from the Sydney-born player. Billy Vunipola has played 29 tests since his debut in 2013 and was named man of the match three times in England’s Six Nations Grand Slam-winning campaign for his barnstorming displays.


Coles all day long for my money

[Locke]

Dane Coles for me.

[undercoverbrother]

pj2t8KGJtMs

[FireGilbert]

Coles all day long for my money

Dane Coles for me.

Barrett for me.

[undercoverbrother]

Barrett for me.

It was close, but he does everything that is expected.

Coles, well he bring the unexpected to playing hooker. Also, if memory serves, Barrett is not a dead eye with his boot.

[Slava]

Canada was in it today, until about the 60th minute. They scored and we're seven down at 28-21. Then Ireland ran away with it and scored three quick tries and won 52-21. I've commented before about their last 15-20 minutes and how it's let them down. Today wasn't really different as they were within striking distance and then looked bad.

Overall Canada just had no support for its players at that point, whereas the Irish were at each breakdown in numbers. Hopefully next weekend against Romania they can exact some revenge after last year's RWC defeat. Just to remind you, Canada was up 15-0 and Romania won 17-15...

[FireGilbert]

Canada was in it today, until about the 60th minute. They scored and we're seven down at 28-21. Then Ireland ran away with it and scored three quick tries and won 52-21. I've commented before about their last 15-20 minutes and how it's let them down. Today wasn't really different as they were within striking distance and then looked bad.

Overall Canada just had no support for its players at that point, whereas the Irish were at each breakdown in numbers. Hopefully next weekend against Romania they can exact some revenge after last year's RWC defeat. Just to remind you, Canada was up 15-0 and Romania won 17-15...

It was great to see the Canadians taking on a top team in front of a huge crowd. Agreed they played great for the first 60 minutes. Keep in mind though it was basically the Irish B team.

I also caught the Wallabies vs Scotland and Argentina vs Wales. Both were great games with exciting finishes. The Northern Hemisphere tests have so far been much more entertaining than the Rugby Championship was.

[undercoverbrother]

It was great to see the Canadians taking on a top team in front of a huge crowd. Agreed they played great for the first 60 minutes. Keep in mind though it was basically the Irish B team.



I don't think there was one of the starting 15 from the team that beat the AB's in Chicago.

[Bagor]

Ireland launches its bid for the 2023 world cup with 12 stadiums. Four of which are actual rugby stadiums.
http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=263246

[Slava]

Ireland launches its bid for the 2023 world cup with 12 stadiums. Four of which are actual rugby stadiums.
http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=263246

Would go, basically for sure. RWC is just so awesome and Ireland would be such a great host!

Canada dropped a 21-16 decision to Romania today. People here are upset about the last goal in the Flames game but that officiating was brilliant compared to what Canada experienced today. Romania was constantly laying on the ball, way offside and blatantly coming from offside positions to the ruck. It was just atrocious. Canada did put up a late charge and did have a better second half in general, but I really think that the ref influenced this one significantly.

Don't get me wrong; Canada didn't do themselves any favours with poor handling and issues like that in this one. But it was a close game and the Romanians tying up the ball and not allowing Canada to recycle it quickly made that worse.

[Slava]

Lengthy, but really interesting read on why the 2016 All Blacks are the best in history, and what proves that statistically. http://www.economist.com/blogs/gametheory/2016/11/kiwi-kings?fsrc=scn/tw/te/bl/ed/thecurrentallblacksarethemostdominantrugbysideever

As an aside, this shows to me why Canada is so far behind. Specifically the portion when it speaks to the insignificance of the areas that Canada seems to excel at (tackling, and a "direct" style of rugby with not much in the way of creativity). It's long been my view that Canada needs to get the backs involved more and show some creativity and more "running rugby" in general. According to the stats here, the reason that the All Blacks are so dominant is because they dominant in exactly that area. Anyway...great article.

[FireGilbert]

Barrett for me.

Called it :whistle:

Would go, basically for sure. RWC is just so awesome and Ireland would be such a great host!

Canada dropped a 21-16 decision to Romania today. People here are upset about the last goal in the Flames game but that officiating was brilliant compared to what Canada experienced today. Romania was constantly laying on the ball, way offside and blatantly coming from offside positions to the ruck. It was just atrocious. Canada did put up a late charge and did have a better second half in general, but I really think that the ref influenced this one significantly.

Don't get me wrong; Canada didn't do themselves any favours with poor handling and issues like that in this one. But it was a close game and the Romanians tying up the ball and not allowing Canada to recycle it quickly made that worse.

It is frustrating to see Canada continuing to tread water while other teams have drastically improved in the past few years.

While Canada was once again struggling against Romania, Italy beat the Springboks for the first time ever and Japan only lost by 3 to Wales.

[FireGilbert]

Springbok player rankings from their loss to Italy lol:


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CxuPhp6XEAQ1OOr.jpg:large

[undercoverbrother]

http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/external?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent4.video.news.com. au%2Ffoxsports%2Fprod%2Farchive%2F2016%2F11%2F21%2 FDVU_211116_RUN_HORWILL_GRUESOME_FINGER.jpg&width=650&api_key=kq7wnrk4eun47vz9c5xuj3mc

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/james-horwill-finger-injury-gruesome-harlequins-leicester-tigers-rugby-union-aviva-premiership-a7429286.html

The Australian suffered the injury with 10 minutes left on the clock, which left his finger skewed at a horrendous right angle with the bone clearly exposed.

As with most forwards, Horwill asked the Harlequins physios to simply pop his finger back in place and tape it up in order to allow him to return to the pitch.

The 31-year-old did have the finger repositioned but the nature of the injury was ultimately too severe and the Quins management was forced to replace Horwill with Charlie Mulchrone in the 70th minute.

love it

[undercoverbrother]

It's long been my view that Canada needs to get the backs involved more and show some creativity and more "running rugby" in general. According to the stats here, the reason that the All Blacks are so dominant is because they dominant in exactly that area. Anyway...great article.


Whenever I watch Canada play I am continually struck by the forwards' inability to:

> break the gain line and create a defense that has to react from the "back" foot. Defenses that face Canada, have the ability to be step up into defense or at least remain in the same spot.

> support each other, which results in quick ball.

Until, Canadian forwards can do these two points on a consistent basis, there will be no creative or running rugby. The Backs simply have no room. The forward lines are easy to defend and the forwards are generally isolated which slows the ball or results in turnovers. The old saying in rugby (which is true) Forwards win games, Backs decide by how much. Until, Canada sorts out their forward play they will not win, and they will not play running creative rugby. I think the coaches see the same thing, as Jamie Cudmore has been called back for the match against Manu Samoa.

[undercoverbrother]

Barrett for me.

Called it :whistle:



booooo

[Bobblehead]

I'm sure the regular fans know this, but TSN is stream Canada vs Samoa live right now.

http://www.tsn.ca/rugby/video/live-international-rugby-samoa-vs-canada~1002233

[FireGilbert]

Rugby Sevens is back in Dubai. This is quickly becoming my favourite form of rugby and will be even more popular this season after a successful Olympic debut.

There is a surprising new team playing in their first world sevens:

https://67.media.tumblr.com/220573136c16f90a11adf90bd562e74e/tumblr_n4gcjeYKqJ1qbuhcoo1_500.gif
No not Orlando:

Uganda! They won the 2016 African championship to qualify.
http://eng.imirasire.com/IMG/jpg/ug-cup-1.jpg

Canada of course went 0-3 on day 1. They were competitive against Fiji and Argentina but were absolutely embarrassed by Wales. Canada now plays Kenya in the Challenge trophy quarter final starting in about 5 minutes.

[undercoverbrother]

Rugby Sevens is back in Dubai. This is quickly becoming my favourite form of rugby and will be even more popular this season after a successful Olympic debut.


Oh god, I hope it doesn't become more popular. Sevens is nice for a lark, but 15's is the proper game.

That being said, nice to see countries like Uganda with a team.

[FireGilbert]

Oh god, I hope it doesn't become more popular. Sevens is nice for a lark, but 15's is the proper game.

That being said, nice to see countries like Uganda with a team.

Agreed 15s is the proper game but I bet in 20 years 7s will be more popular.

-20 minute faced paced games with lots of try scoring fits well in the modern world of short attention spans and watching sports on mobile devices.
-It is much cheaper for a country to have a competitive 7's team.
-You cannot discount the exposure in the Olympics and the additional funding this brings.

What do you think about 10's though? There is a tournament coming up in February in Brisbane. I believe the rationale is creating a balance between 7s and 15s where they keep the integrity of the set pieces while still opening up the field for try scoring rugby.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brisbane_Global_Rugby_Tens

Interestingly we now have the following forms of Rugby. What will be next?

-7s
-9s (League)
-10s
-13s (League)
-15s

[FireGilbert]

I am going to start regular updates on the HSBC Seven series just because UCB loves it so much...

Round 2 was in Cape Town and the English beat the hosts 19-17 in the final after a missed conversion with no time remaining. New Zealand got the bronze and Scotland, who look to be the most improved team this season, came 4th.

Canada once again beat Uganda to finish in 13th place. The highlight for Canada was an exciting draw against New Zealand in the round robin.

[undercoverbrother]

I am going to start regular updates on the HSBC Seven series just because UCB loves it so much...

Round 2 was in Cape Town and the English beat the hosts 19-17 in the final after a missed conversion with no time remaining. New Zealand got the bronze and Scotland, who look to be the most improved team this season, came 4th.

Canada once again beat Uganda to finish in 13th place. The highlight for Canada was an exciting draw against New Zealand in the round robin.

I hate you.


I don't mind 10's there is a great tactical component than 7's, but still too little compared to 15's for my liking.

I just really enjoy the planning that occurs on the fly in 15's. A good 15's player will know what is coming up in the game before it happens. They can read the flow of the game, and the style of the team they are playing. For me there is too much re-action on 7's, while there is still tactical play, it really is a game of reaction and opportunity.

I think you are right, 7's is simple, especially compared to 15's.

[Slava]

RBS 6 Nations begins on February 4. (I wish this was 7 Nations and Canada made it in somehow, but I digress.)

You can check out their website for global broadcasters if you're elsewhere in the world, but in the US it's Bein Sports and Canada and the US it's TV5, french only. I don't know if we get the Bein feed here in Canada or not, but hopefully. The game times are good and it's really good rugby, so hopefully we can see it here somehow!

[FireGilbert]

It would be awesome if Canada was able to compete in a "7 Nations" but to be fair they would go 0-6 every year with 5 blowouts and one close loss to Italy.

Who do you think will win this season? England has to be the favourite but Ireland was also playing great rugby. Looking at the schedule the last game is England vs Ireland in Dublin. I'll say both teams will be undefeated going into the final game where Ireland will win at home stopping England from a record 19 straight wins.

[Slava]

Yeah for sure Canada would largely go 0-6, although they could squeeze a win out against Italy at times. But that is where Italy was before they were brought in; that increased competition does eventually make a big difference. I know it would take years and at least a few cycles of the WC before Canada was making much progress, but it is possible!

I think the Irish win it this year. They've looked really solid, but that last game sets up to be awesome this far out already!

[undercoverbrother]

Yeah for sure Canada would largely go 0-6, although they could squeeze a win out against Italy at times. But that is where Italy was before they were brought in; that increased competition does eventually make a big difference. I know it would take years and at least a few cycles of the WC before Canada was making much progress, but it is possible!

I think the Irish win it this year. They've looked really solid, but that last game sets up to be awesome this far out already!


Italy also started professional league.

Canada shouldn't be looking to the 6N in my opinion until they can put together:

>A unified season
>A viable Pro League that provides the standard of competition to that of even the 2nd tier Pro Leagues in Europe.

I reckon there is a better chance at getting into the 6 Nations B (Rugby Europe Championship).

[FireGilbert]

The best spot for Canada is still in the Pacific Championship with Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Japan and the USA. I believe they are not competing this year due to the World Cup qualifiers but will be back in 2018.

[undercoverbrother]

The best spot for Canada is still in the Pacific Championship with Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Japan and the USA. I believe they are not competing this year due to the World Cup qualifiers but will be back in 2018.


Logistically I reckon the European approach would be easier and cheaper.


I think the level of teams is better in the Pacific Championship, which might see Canada winless for some time.....

6Nations B, might allow Canada to mix in a win or two.

[undercoverbrother]

ARC Extended squad:

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=98468

Ray Barkwill – (Castaway Wanderers/Ontario Blues) Niagara Falls, ON

George Barton – (Clermont Espoirs) Duncan, BC

Nick Blevins – (Calgary Hornets/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB

Matt Beukeboom – (Section Paloise) Lindsay, ON

Rob Brouwer – (Lindsay RFC/Ontario Blues) Lindsay, ON

Gradyn Bowd – (UVIC Vikes/Prairie Wolf Pack) Red Deer, AB

Admir Cejvanovic – (Burnaby Lake RFC/BC Bears) Burnaby, BC

Liam Chisholm – (UVIC Vikes/BC Bears) Kenora, ON

Eric Howard – (Brantford Harlequins/Ontario Blues) Ottawa, ON

Conor Keys – (UVic Vikes/Atlantic Rock) Stittsville, ON

Cole Keith – (James Bay AA/Atlantic Rock) Sussex, NB

Ryan Kotlewski – (Westshore RFC/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB

Phil Mack – (James Bay AA/BC Bears) Victoria, BC

Rory McDonell – (Brantford Harlequins/Ontario Blues) Brantford, ON

Gordon McRorie – (Calgary Hornets/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB

Dan Moor – (Balmy Beach RFC/Ontario Blues) Toronto, ON

Oliver Nott – (UVIC Vikes/BC Bears) Qualicum, BC

Reegan O’Gorman – (Marist Albion) Vancouver, BC

Clay Panga – (Westshore RFC/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB

Pat Parfrey – (Swilers RFC/Atlantic Rock) St. John’s, NL

Taylor Paris – (Agen) Barrie, ON

Benoit Piffero – (Blagnac Sporting Rugby Club/Atlantic Rock) Montreal, QC

Carl Pocock – (Calgary Rams/Prairie Wolf Pack) Calgary, AB

Robbie Povey – (Bedford Athletic/Prairie Wolf Pack) Northampton, England

Lucas Rumball – (Balmy Beach RFC/Ontario Blues) Scarborough, ON

Djustice Sears -Duru – (Glasgow Warriors/Ontario Blues) Oakville, ON

Brock Staller – (UBC Thunderbirds/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC

Matt Tierney – (Section Paloise/Ontario Blues) Oakville, ON

Conor Trainor – (RC Vannes/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC

Nice to see Bowd back in after shoulder surgery, really a good kid and skilled, if maybe a little small.

I know nothing about Rumball, but I that name has won me over!

Canada’s 2017 Americas Rugby Championship Schedule:

Canada vs. Argentina — Feb. 4, Westhills Stadium, 8pm ET/5pm PT

Canada vs. Chile — Feb. 11, Westhills Stadium, 8pm ET/5pm PT

Canada vs. USA — Feb. 18, Swangard Stadium, 8pm ET/5pm PT

Uruguay vs. Canada — Feb. 25, Estadio Domingo Burgueno

Brazil vs. Canada — March 4, Pacaembu Stadium



Let's hope they can get some wins under their belt.

[Party Elephant]

Canada wins their first pool game in the Wellington sevens 28-19 over Scotland

[Party Elephant]

..and they follow it up with a convincing win over Wales!

[FireGilbert]

Canada wins their first pool game in the Wellington sevens 28-19 over Scotland

..and they follow it up with a convincing win over Wales!

Thanks for the updates. It looks like Canada went 3-0! Has that ever happened before?

What was with the tiny crowd in Wellington by the way?

[Party Elephant]

Thanks for the updates. It looks like Canada went 3-0! Has that ever happened before?

What was with the tiny crowd in Wellington by the way?
Mostly due to a public drunkenness crackdown. NZRU is trying to make it a "family friendly event", a stark contrast from the weekend of binge drinking in costumes that it used to be. I heard today that they're only serving mid strength beer! There's a lot of talk that this may be the last Wellington sevens, what with the low ticket sales. They might move it around the country, possibly to Dunedin but if the alcohol policies stay the same them the crowds will be just as sparse.

[FireGilbert]

Canada finished 4th! I repeat Canada finished 4th! It would have been nice if they could have beat Scotland a second time to get 3rd but I'm still so proud of then right now. They were even better than the host Kiwis who were 6th, the Aussies who were 9th and the Americans who were 11th haha. By the way South Africa beat Fiji in the finals.

Mostly due to a public drunkenness crackdown. NZRU is trying to make it a "family friendly event", a stark contrast from the weekend of binge drinking in costumes that it used to be. I heard today that they're only serving mid strength beer! There's a lot of talk that this may be the last Wellington sevens, what with the low ticket sales. They might move it around the country, possibly to Dunedin but if the alcohol policies stay the same them the crowds will be just as sparse.

Yeah the crowd looked pathetic, I take back everything I said about Sevens increasing in popularity. Interesting that is the reason for the low numbers. I found the sold out Sydney Sevens last year to be both a party atmosphere and a family friendly event (with mid strength beer). It might have something to do with Union fans here being of a higher standard while the bogans follow League. I guess in New Zealand most fans, both classy and feral, follow Union. Also, it probably didn't hurt ticket sales that Sydney has a higher population than all of NZ combined.

[undercoverbrother]

Canada finished 4th! I repeat Canada finished 4th! It would have been nice if they could have beat Scotland a second time to get 3rd but I'm still so proud of then right now. They were even better than the host Kiwis who were 6th, the Aussies who were 9th and the Americans who were 11th haha. By the way South Africa beat Fiji in the finals.



Yeah the crowd looked pathetic, I take back everything I said about Sevens increasing in popularity. Interesting that is the reason for the low numbers. I found the sold out Sydney Sevens last year to be both a party atmosphere and a family friendly event (with mid strength beer). It might have something to do with Union fans here being of a higher standard while the bogans follow League. I guess in New Zealand most fans, both classy and feral, follow Union. Also, it probably didn't hurt ticket sales that Sydney has a higher population than all of NZ combined.

Thanked for the use of Bogan.

Long live the death of 7's?

[FireGilbert]

Thanked for the use of Bogan.
If it's that easy to get a thanks out of you, I'll have to use it more often.
Long live the death of 7's?
Only in NZ apparently you dirty bogan.

[undercoverbrother]

Canada's ARC game is on TV:


2017 Americas Rugby Championship
Canada vs. Argentina
Sat 11PM ET / 8PM PT on TSN1


Pretty excited, there are 3 Calgary based players (2 Hornets and 1 Ram) in the starting 15, also Panga has a Hornets connection.

[FireGilbert]

Canada's ARC game is on TV:





Pretty excited, there are 3 Calgary based players (2 Hornets and 1 Ram) in the starting 15, also Panga has a Hornets connection.

I know you are talking about the Americas Rugby Championship but when you say ARC I immediately think the Acadia Recreation Centre haha.

Just to clarify though they are playing Argentina XV, the B team. It's still great challenge for Canada but with an actual chance at winning.

Also Canada plays Argentina at the Sydney Sevens today :whistle:

[undercoverbrother]

I know you are talking about the Americas Rugby Championship but when you say ARC I immediately think the Acadia Recreation Centre haha.

Just to clarify though they are playing Argentina XV, the B team. It's still great challenge for Canada but with an actual chance at winning.

Also Canada plays Argentina at the Sydney Sevens today :whistle:


Canada have a great schedule this ARC. If they don't put up some wins, then difficult questions need to be asked.

[Slava]

Canada have a great schedule this ARC. If they don't put up some wins, then difficult questions need to be asked.

If it's anything like what we've seen from them over the past couple years, you might as well begin preparing that list of questions. This is a team that looked bad leading up to RWC 2015 in dropping games late in the second half to the US, Samoa, etc. They played Italy tough at RWC 2015, and were close. Got trashed against France (unsurprisingly though) and then gave up a 15-0 lead to lose 17-15 to Romania. Then they kept that momentum rolling into 2016 when the dropped games to the USA amongst others (but did beat Russia here in Calgary).

I'll be watching...but I'm not holding my breath.

[FireGilbert]

Huge upset for the Canadian women over the Olympic champion Australians at the Sydney Sevens! Well done ladies!!! Everyone was expecting an Australia vs New Zealand final but instead it will be Canada vs USA starting in about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

The Canadian men have played two matches so far beating Russia losing to the USA. They play Argentina later today for a chance to play for the cup.

[FireGilbert]

Canada wins! Suck it USA! That was awesome they included the finals of the women's tournament as part of the men's. It was a great advertisement for the sport.

The Canadian men just suffered a heartbreaking draw against Argentina. They needed a win to advance to the cup playoffs because of point differential. Two late missed conversions were the difference.

[FireGilbert]

South Africa wins the Sydney Sevens with England 2nd, New Zealand 3rd and Australia 4th. Canada finished 13th after losing to Japan, beating PNG, and then getting lucky with a controversial win over Kenya. It looks like last week's 4th place finish was a bit of a fluke and not a sign of improvement, although to be fair to the Canadians the loss of Nathan Hirayama to injury is starting to catch up to them. Hirayama is one of the best Sevens players in the world and always plays well in Australia. I saw an interesting fact today that he is the all time leading try scorer at the Aussie Sevens.

Sevens will take a break until Vegas and Vancouver in March. There is however a Tens event in Brisbane next week. I will try to watch a bit of it and provide feedback on this new form of rugby.

Also, looking forward to hearing UCBs thoughts on Canada's loss to Argentina at the ARC.

[Slava]

There were also two pretty solid games to open the 6 Nations yesterday. England/France wasn't that good, and England managed to pull it out at the end. The Scotland/Ireland game was excellent though. Scotland came out and took control, while Ireland powered back in the second half. Ireland had their chances and were very close to taking the game over but in the end the Scots held the fort and added an insurance penalty in the dying minutes.

The Scots played really well. I would've expected Ireland to win this one, but the Scottish defence in particular was just solid. They made probably double the number of tackles that the Irish did and there were times where the Irish had 15-20 phases and made very little ground. Just an impressive display, and their full back (Hogg) played a great game as well.

Today is Wales/Italy, which could turn out to be a pretty good game as well. I would be taking Wales by a comfortable margin, but who knows.

[FireGilbert]

There were also two pretty solid games to open the 6 Nations yesterday. England/France wasn't that good, and England managed to pull it out at the end. The Scotland/Ireland game was excellent though. Scotland came out and took control, while Ireland powered back in the second half. Ireland had their chances and were very close to taking the game over but in the end the Scots held the fort and added an insurance penalty in the dying minutes.

The Scots played really well. I would've expected Ireland to win this one, but the Scottish defence in particular was just solid. They made probably double the number of tackles that the Irish did and there were times where the Irish had 15-20 phases and made very little ground. Just an impressive display, and their full back (Hogg) played a great game as well.

Today is Wales/Italy, which could turn out to be a pretty good game as well. I would be taking Wales by a comfortable margin, but who knows.

There goes our prediction Ireland will win the 6 Nations! Scotland is the most improved team in world rugby in the past couple years however.