Category: Uncategorized

Wales deny Irish fun

A disappointing visit to the stadium yesterday. Wales won fair and square, so the dream semi for me of Ireland v England did not materialise on either count.

I was surprised to see empty seats, there was one block empty. Some corporate non-attendance? Or travel company issue?

There were also so many South African and Aussie supporters there filling time that the atmosphere was not as I had expected. Welsh and Irish fans though gave their all.

After the game back to “The Backbencher” to watch the game in Auckland: more pain but not really surprising.

I will need to dig out a red shirt for next week then?


Time to choose

Today is one of those days, and reminds me of Dublin 2003, when I went to watch the rugby on the telly in a pub.For those without insight into the specifics of my history it was when I went to watch the Ireland v England Grand Slam decider. We were all there from the Mercenaries and it was a time to decide your loyalties. I chose Ireland against my usual instinct of being English because of the arrogance of Woodward and the rest at the time. I remember Paul Beirne was in deep dis-believe. I chose wrong as far as the result was concerned as England romped home in their World Cup winning year.

Now the circumstances are different. England are just dull, one-dimensional, conservative and uninspiring. That is just on the field;, off it they are idiots without an ounce of insight. They are potential lions led by a donkey.

Ireland, despite an appalling run-in to the tournament has played with vigour and enterprise. They make you want to enjoy the game. They have my vote.

So this weekend “go Ireland” and I hope they win. England will win but I hope and expect Ireland to beat them next weekend in the semi-final. I see an Ireland v New Zealand final-go the homeland.

The unthinkable has happened!!!

How is the country going to cope?? The nightmare event has happened, a bigger issue than if Richie was out, especially with the doubts expressed about Colin Slade.

Next Article: Rugby World Cup LIVE: Carter-less All Blacks ready for battle
Dan Carter out of entire World Cup
By NZ Herald staff
Updated 10:15 AM Sunday Oct 2, 2011



Daniel Carter is out of the entire Rugby World Cup after sustaining a groin injury at training yesterday.

The announcement was made at a press conference this morning.

All Black doctor Deb Robinson said Carter had a tear in the tendon and his World Cup was over.

A scan has revealed the 29-year-old, 85 test All Blacks vice-captain had torn the adductor longus tendon in his left groin.

He suffered the injury during kicking practice at the captain’s run training session in Wellington yesterday afternoon.

Robinson said: “The scan confirmed our worst fears that the tendon has torn which means he is out of the tournament.”

Another night of pain

Dull, painful and unnecessary.
The frustration of watching this stuff boils over in front of the tv screen.
How much more of “a win is a win”, “winning ugly is a sign of strength” mantra can I take?
Do the obvious and play the players who can run, catch, pass and known where the try line is rather than just where the goal posts are.

”
Watch World Cup video highlights, interviews and more
Ultra-conservative Martin Johnson must let England off the leash
England’s approach will be punished in the latter stages of the Rugby World Cup
* Dean Ryan
* guardian.co.uk, Saturday 1 October 2011 21.00 BST”