UlsterRugby1999

and proudly so expat paul - proudly so I have 4 sets of clubs here, my son has 2 and they are the most respected items of possession at chez nous. We have a practice net in the garden and they have been out for a wee warm up session a few times recently with this glorious weather we now have. I can just feel the heat on my old bones as I wander off down the 11th at Mignaloux. Mmmmmmmmmmm [:D]

Good man raindog - it seems Danny Stephens reads my posts on this Forum. [;-)] I disagree with the Scrum half slot though, I think that if Gomarsall is given time to settle into the No9 jersey and he is given quicker ball from ruck and scrum he could fill the role well. He didnt slate off Wilkinson as he is still valuable to the Red Rose troop and he did (rightly so too) look at Vickery as neither a leader or a valuable member of the front 3. Maybe Ashton is the wrong man for the job but the bottom line is this - that last Saturday, when things were starting to go a wee bit wobbly, instinct should have taken over and the boys should have played with their hearts and balls on their sleeves. They are afterall professional rugby players. Now what other team do I know with similar problems - errrrrr - let me think   [:(][:(]

Thanks Clair and understood. Didnt mean to break any regs and the blue text from the mod didnt have any bearing on anything and, therefore, I didnt take it as a link to the Indo. I'll always want Ireland to win but a big losing score tomorrow against Les Bleus will (should then) almost certainly send O'Stagnant to the dump. God I wish. It'll be interesting to see Andrew Trimble in at centre. He could be a key player tomorrow especially if O'Driscoll gets into his stride. Wales should do it okay as should England but those Italians are seriously up front hungry lads. No Vickery (probably a good thing IMHO) but what about Easter - is he on?

Cheers Gardian Blackrock College has produced many of our past Irish internationals, and I would guess will continue to do so. Young Munster, Cork Cons, Royal Belfast Academical Institute, Ballymena - there are loads for such a wee country. Happily the game has now crossed the twisted divide that has riddled life in the North & South and the game is flurrishing. Well it will do once the IRFU's 3 wise old owls jump off their perch and bin Wingnut O'Stagnant and his one eyed failed strategy. Success breeds success and in the early 2000's the game lept forward in Ireland as far as following and playing goes. I bet its suffering a bit now given the Golden Generations demise [:'(][:@][:'(][:@]

Oh deary me - So to put things right (hopefully the Mods will accept this - this time) - I have attached the link to the Ulster Rugby Supporters Forum, from where my cut and paste came from   http://www.uafc.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=7023

Another article, this time in the Irish Independent - bit long so sorry but it speaks volumes As I have asked above - why the hell cant the IRFU see the real picture. Their rose tinted varifoculs must be glazed over too [:@][:@] Post content edited by the moderators for copyright reasons.

If I get started raindog I'll be here all night. Here is a scenario for you. [quote]You have a car, it breaks down soon after you get it. You have a tool bag with 30 tool in it. All good quality and reasonably new tools. Not some low cost set but a real Makita type set. So you pull the car off the road and try to fix it. You try the first 15 tools in your bag but they dont do the job. So what does a mere mortal like us do. WE try the other 15 tools until we have used all 30 and fixed the car. The car starts up and runs perfectly well again. But Comical Eddie doesnt try the second 15 tools, he goes back to the first 15 and tries them again and again and again and keeps telling his passengers that it'll come good soon. But we know otherwise - dont we ? [/quote] Brian O'Driscoll (whom I am a huge fan of) says [quote]It's a case of just battling on and playing the way we know we're capable of[/quote] So then my dear Brian - when will you start doing this because you havent done it for nearly 12 months now since we hammered the Red Rose boys at Croke Park [quote]He's burying the best generation of Irish players since the 1970's" he told L'Equipe on Wednesday[/quote] So how come the rest of the Rugby World can see what is happening but not Wingnut O'Stagnant Mind

Straight off the wire Comical Eddie O'Sullivan has made 6 sweeping changes to the side that narrowly avoided giving Italy a win last Saturday. Dont be fooled folks - 4 of them are because of injury. O'Sullivan will walk the plank this 6N's and when he does I'll buy you all a very large Guinness.

suandpete - not sure where you are in Deux-Sevres but there is an English (as far as I know) Pro at Les Forges. Otherwise, as expat Paul quite correctly states you should try them yourself. Its neither difficult or expensive. My old blades get a regrip every 12 - 14 months (mind you they sleep with me - eat with me and even go to work with me) [:D][:D]

Mmmmmmm raindog - I dont think, as I've said before, that Ashton is your biggest problem. England have nobody who takes ownership of the game, no leader or charasmatic guy like Johnston. You were headless chickens yesterday dare I say it even in the first half you looked unsure and unsafe. Sure the Volcano has his flashes and brightens up an otherwise very dull afternoon at Twickers but he was a loan wolf. Vickery is a liability and he gets captaicy. Mother of God. You missed Easter but you need four or five like him. Shaw dug in hard and his work rate was excellent. Regan and Sheridan fought hard too but your back row was awful. Without Wilkinsons kicking control you would not have been in the lead at half time. Gomarsall was effective but could have done better. Wales had 2 things that England didnt have. They had PASSION and a want to win, a desperation to win. They needed it as they werent brilliant either. Now then - then there is the revitalised Ireland, fresh from the internal post RWC review. In the name of sweet Jaysus - more horse manure from the old tired nags. God give me strength. ROBOT O'Gara is being proclaimed as a great yesterday. He was dog awful. One trick pony who missed line kicks and one of the easiest penalties any kicker could be given. Virtually in front of the posts and on the 22. Nearly 2 metres wide of the edge of the target. God in Heaven. Easterbuuny was a disgrace, Leamy was non-existent, and Murphy should be taken from us and shot in the middle of Croke Park. Thank God Reddan was on instead of SLINGER and the wise positioning of Dempsey saved the day. Trimby covered all the blades of grass on the pitch and O'Driscoll fought on as always. Darcy will be a terrible loss to us but at least we have a few centres to hold the fort. But God Almighty what is Comical Eddie (O'Sullivan) smoking? I want to get some because he still believes that everything is okay. I dont think Scotland will turn the French over but it'll be close. France are, afterall, starting a whole new era without Laporte so there will be some lead in time required perhaps. BUt God willing, we'll get t see a decent match today as we didnt get one yesterday.

Good morning lads - thought I'd better pay a wee visit or me mucker raindog will be fair weathering me again.[;-)] Is it just me or do you feel the same - which is a little less enthused about the 6N's this year. Maybe its after the RWC or because the heiny is still on or both but I just dont feel the buzz this year. That said, I'm watching the games this weekend at our place with 2 Sasonachs - one of them a Glaws man too. Should be fun Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Irelands Call will be heard for miles around [:D][:D]

raindog wrote [quote]I must say, the quality of play in the Heinekin Cup has become so good that I get more enjoyement out of it than the 6N. Almost all cracking games imo. No wonder the southern hemi is jelous....[/quote] Exakery - and that is why the IRB fudged the Pumas issue. They hadnt the guts to do the right thing. As for the results and matches, its been a decent tournament so far but now its do or die stuff so the rugby will get better and more attacking (I hope). Dont write Munster off though plod they are no easy roll over and despite my dislike of ROBOT O'Gara he can, in a red shirt, produce the goods. O'Connell is a problem for them though. And finally, Ulster have awoken to smell the coffee (albeit cold and stale by now). We gave a good account of oursleves against you guys plod and while the result was never really in any doubt, at least we produced closer to our normal game than we have done all season. Tindall is sharp though isnt he [:(] raindog you were up and about early this morning squire [;-)]

Aye plod Flannerys stamp on Bonnaire was a disgrace and he should be given a hefty ban for it. This is ths side of rugby which demeans it. The Munster men deserved a bit of a thump as they are cocky wee sh**es. Lou - as plod and raindog are indicating - forget the rules just run with the craic. Its the best game in the world (save golf and fly fishing) and if you enjoy it that is all you need to know. If you watch the refs in the Magners League you'll quickly understand that you know more than them anyway ;-)) plod what dya mean rucks arent free for alls. Your having a laugh surely.

Y'aul dog yee!!! I pop in nearly every morning around 5:30 - 6:00 via my wee iPaq and before I head off to my labours. Ulster has been working the last 46 days without break (except for Christmas and Boxing Day - and very grateful for it too of course) and sleeps the rest of the time, hence the PDA online stuff so early. In Belshaft we would call you "a wee skitter" but sure its only a wee bit of craic. I sent an email to Ashton asking if I could be considered too [;-)] - seriously though, when you look at the Welsh, Scottish and us we all have people who playing for us whose only national connection was that their mother knew a man who knew a woman who was the sister of a fella who was engaged to a lassie who bought a bus ticket from a Paddy once [:D][:D] I think Vainikolo is just what England need right now. The ultimate heart on his sleeve merchant who can produce magic by the bag full and turn a game on his own. Pure rugby genius and thank God for him. As I have said previously, he lit a dreary Belfast night up like a firework display and the kids get such a lift from him too. plod fear not - sometimes a wee boot in the rear end is the best tonic you could buy. I think the Glaws are still there and my money is well and truly still on you guys. Oh and as for re-reading what we have written - in my last post I was so off the wall (with a wee Guinness thrown in too) I had it in my head that this was the last round of pool matches. Old age - wicked eh?

Yes raindog, a win. Maybe not a pretty one but a much needed win nonetheless. We looked dead and buried at half time but the lads grunted it out and Trimby popped over for a last minute try. With all the comings and goings in Belfast right now between our new coach Matt Williams, the caretaker Steve Williams and up to 18 contracts yet to be discussed, there is a lot of pressure on the lads right now and this season has done nothing positive for them. Maybe, I hope, this is the turning point. On a different note, where was the iron fast psychological Glaws team last night. They were woeful. Sure Marshall had a brilliant game and controlled much of the backs play but all I could see were Glaws shirts handbagging. There was none of the decisive play we have been graced with so far this season. Maybe the lads are tired or something but that wasnt what I expected to see when I sat down to watch the match last night. Any news on the runner up slots yet ??? Plod - you awake yet. Sorry mate, I hope you guys nip through though.

I read this on the web this morning and wondered the same thing plod. If he doesnt get a start and deprived the Glaws of his talents then thats nigh on criminal. I saw him in Belfast in the opening Heiny game and he is something else. So cocky and full of confidence he is worth a watch just for that let alone his actual immense talent. He must have Irish blood in him somewhere though [;-)][;-)]

Thank you raindog - you've just brightened up a gloomy morning for me. Looks like the Glaws are still on for it - and errrr Ulster aren't. [:'(][:'(] Bonne Annee a tous

[quote]I hope that Ulster can take Ospreys out[/quote] [:(][:(][:(][:(][:(][:(][:(][:(][:(][:(][:(] The bottom has fallen out of my wee world right now. We are rudderless, clueless and down right naff.

Hi plod - I wish we could turn over the O's but with our performances thus far and all the stuff going on at Ravenhill, I very much doubt it. That said, I dont think you have to worry too much - I keep telling you (and you must believe me - honest ) the Glaws are semi final and probably final material. Here's hoping. We'll share a Guinness if they make it that far.

[:$][:$] You got me good and proper there Gardian - and of course - you were spot on Not in a hare's gowl would I vote for thast clampet. Fair play to you sir - you got me there. [;-)] 

Flip me Gardian, I hate mind games. Give me a clue who you mean by "PS" for your surely dont mean Paul Sackey and he is the only PS I can think of. Sackey was good but not worthy of the award "Player of the Tournament". I'd not really disagree with Pichot, but while I'd stay with the Pumas for choice I'd opt for Contepomi. All round superb performance and not just in his playing ability. His grit and determination, his leadership by example, his tackling was that of a No8 and not of a centre but his tactical brain was flawless. Just look what he did to Ireland. Others worth a mention, Mark Regan, Nick Easter, Smit, Montgomery and very high on the list is Habana. Gomarsall had a great world cup too. [quote]I think that we might look back and say (however enjoyable it was on occasions) that this was a below-par competition in terms of the quality of play from the leading sides[/quote] is my point exactly. The top teams (usually referred to as the Tri Nations followed by England, France, Ireland and so on) were dire. South Africa were the best of a bad bunch. But, Gardian, this has been the trend for quite a few years and is why I argue that the IRB must make large, and radical, changes. Bring together the 2 hemispheres. Stop this separatist approach to the one game and open it up to the entire rugby world. Obviously in a controlled manner. Just take a glance at the 6 Nations domestic squads. Take away the SH and Argentian players and you would have a lot of gaps in those squads. So why keep the 2 apart at international level and why allow the Tri boys to maintain the myth that they are the best. Its rubbish, you know it and for the 4th/5th year on a trot we've seen it. Okay - I'm putting my soap box away - honest [:$][:$]

[quote]Yes, that bit got me too. They seem to be dictating that they won't be able to play in Europe anymore. So where are they going to play? Their domestic league? The Argentine squad has improved so much BECAUSE most of it's in Europe![/quote] Exactly. So who, ultimately, are the beneficiaries of all of this. I believe that its the Tri Nations who are ensuring their own existence. At international level, non of the 3 of them seriously displayed how superior they claim to be. Not meaning to be disrespectful to England, but no team was a class above anyone in this last RWC. Thats not also to take away from the Pumas, who truly deserve all their accolades, but not 1 team was out on its own and I believe this is now an established fact. The SH and the NH have very little between them (at International level). This is also supported by the amount of SH players now playing here. So - why make the Puma's establish a 3rd sector. Its ring fencing them and its wrong. Open up the thing and let everyone have a crack at everyone else. It will open the game up, attract more supporter base, enhance the level of rugby from all the emerging nations and rid us of this them and us scenario which we are forced to live with. Wow - where is my soap box ............[:$][:$]

[quote]However, the Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) made a commitment to have its players contracted to the union and for the majority of its players to be based in Argentina by 2012. The forum agreed to assist Argentina to put in place pathways to get the players back to Argentina and to develop the next generation of home-grown Argentinian players, the majority of whom will hopefully play their top-flight rugby based in Argentina.[/quote] Call me cynical, but who ultimately benefits from this [quote]"The measures were formulated after 30 hours of robust and constructive debate over three days among the 90 delegates from all the major rugby stakeholders from all over the world," said IRB Chairman, Dr Syd Millar.[/quote] Yeah I bet it was robust Syd. How much slabbering came from the 3 big boys trying to retain their "we are the best" slogan. Cynical to the end me [:P][;-)]

[quote]Meanwhile, the IRB is set for further discussions over plans to introduce a so-called "world series" in an attempt to strengthen Test rugby. Under the plan matches between the Six Nations and Tri-Nations teams, plus Argentina, would count towards an annual league ending in a Grand Final. [/quote] This sounds more like the start of more things to come. Maybe, maybe not. [quote]The forum also agreed that Argentina's future lies in the southern hemisphere, ruling out the possibility of the Pumas, who finished third at the World Cup, joining the Six Nations. [/quote] I'm still not convinced about this. The largest proportion of professional Pumas play in the NH - here in France, the UK and Ireland. I rather suspect this may be the Tri boys trying to hold on to their SH superiority mentality and dominance (which as we have seen is no longer the case), especially in light of their equally dire performances both pre the RWC and during it.

[quote]Why don't you just go and look at it in the original western france thread?[/quote] Sorry, Maricopa but my sublty must have been missed on you. I was more trying to deflect Bugbear's annoyance than be gifted with loads of info. As one who doesnt spend hours trawling the threads in here but is merely interested in the sport section, I wouldnt have come across the thread in ........... wherever it was. Hiya tegwini I'm a failing 4 handicapper and a member of Mignaloux. Not a fan of Haut Poitou mainly as its a heck of a hilly spot for an auld eegit like me. If there is a spell during the festivities when its neither wet, windy nor cold, my son and me would love to take your painter and decorator for a wee round. [;-)]