Rugby Union 2007

[mr_e]

Well, we gave away maybe two unnecessary penalties, and Cueto was in touch by about an inch when that try was disallowed. Despite the final scoreline England aquitted themselves fairly well, given what the expectations were like after the group stages.

SA seemed to dominate the line-out, and there were a couple of turn-overs as their pack beat England to the ball. Not the most exciting of games, unless you count the slow agony of watching a win slip out of England's grasp.

I think South Africa have stronger political and social reasons for having wanted a victory in this World Cup, and in that sense I'm quite glad they won it.

[Andy]

I think South Africa have stronger political and social reasons for having wanted a victory in this World Cup, and in that sense I'm quite glad they won it.

still gutted

[Mike]

Cueto's try should have been allowed. Gutted. I am not happy that S.A won, they should have been second! Second I say!

[mr_e]

Despite what the commentators were claiming, his foot touched the line just as he lifted it. He lifted his foot higher, ie. not digging up the pitch, but it was still touching the line. I think that's the deceptive part. I am open to suggestions, though.

I suppose it's pointless arguing over it except as an academic exercise: anyone got a definition of "touching" the line? Does skimming the grass count, or does there have to be contact with the soil?

[Mike]

It is academic but I don't think that you could disagree that the disallowing of this try cost us the game. Mentally we were crushed by the decision. That and two pointless penalties on our 22. Doh!

[Mike]

RFU now wants Rob Andrew to be England Manager 'overseeing' the team selection and dealing with the press. This will apparently give Brian Ashton sufficient time to deal with the play on the pitch. Hum. It seems they are not a fan of Brian Ashton's easy way with the press conferences.

[BarcelonAl]

Well, I didn't see a single minute of the match as I was on a bleedin' ferry crossing to the Isle of Man, and I don't think that I'm going to race out to get the dvd when it comes out from what I've heard.

To put a slightly warmer feeling in everyone's belly, we did come SECOND! Frankly, given some of the rugby played since 2003 that was a minor miracle! :D

[Andy]

I think the Brian Ashton situation is rather weird. As soon as they lost the final the players come out and are not exactly positive about him. I think it was Gommersall who said ''it was us and not him who turned it around''.

Seems weird to me.

Rob Andrew would be a good choice in my opinion. He did well with Newcastle Falcons (albeit with ridiculous amounts of money in the Rugby game but he still moulded a good team)

[Mike]

Sale did well on Friday beating Worcester 35-15! Rory Lamont and Luke McAlister made good starts and really helped! This was an amazing away match - yay for sky sports! :D

On a side note I did not know that Wasps were struggling so much this season. They have only won two matches according to the BBC article. They beat Newcastle 35-12 on sat.

Wales did not do too well against reigning world champions South Africa though - SA stormed through with 5 tries.

[Mike]

Jason Robinson has been named in the Barbarians squad for the game against SA this weekend (Saturday) I will have to see if there is a pub where I can watch this match! :D

[Mike]

Sale are now out of the EDF energy cup after being beaten 32-8 by Leicester - doh!

Argentina have also been told by the IRB that they can not rely on the Six Nations championship they will have to negotiate with the Tri-Nations in 2010. This is such a shame as they were a really strong team in the world cup and they deserve to actually play international competitions more. Damn those pen pushers !

[mr_e]

That was so not a good night to play rugby in. Looks like Sale got fairly comprehensively beaten. I've not seen them play recently, so don't know how they're actually looking on the field, but the weather probably prevented Charlie's kicking game from making much of an impact.

The Argentina thing's a shame, but at least they're getting more Test matches for now. Looks like they may have to set up a decent domestic league as a condition of entry to the Tri-Nations as well, which should be interesting. Quite a task.

[Andy]

It is what they need to do though.

I personally feel that if they had been allowed into the six nations it would have been a joke and lost a lot of credability. Adding Italy was OK (I suppose) because they were European but if we added Argentina then we might as well have made it into a World League played every year.

[Mike]

I would not have a problem with that. It would be an amazing tournament and we would hopefully see some amazing rugby. I missed the Barbarians match which was a bit of a shame. Especially since the barbarians won 22-5.

Robinson has claimed that he has definitely hung up the boots now and will be spending more time with his wife and children. Aw bless. It is a bit weird to think that he is only 5-7 years older than all of us and he has retired! Sportsmen - wow what a working life. Not only that but he has been successful in two different sports and been part of the team which won both 'premiership' tournaments and a world cup. How cool!

[Mike]

Brian Aston will find out his fate today and if he is to continue as England Manager! The report to the RFU is to be delivered by Rob Andrew and is rumours to suggest that all three coaches are offered new positions and contracts. There are also rumours of other changes behind the scenes to give the England team a bit more support for international games (mostly time for preparation if I understand it correctly). I personally am rooting for Aston - he has done a good job thus far.