The rugby

[Alex321]

If it isn’t an advantage, why are they so protective of it every time someone tries to stop it.

It is part of their Rugby culture.

I don't believe it gives them any advantage.

 

[Dogtrousers]

If they reduced the number of replacements that could be made, especially for the forwards, then they would have to become fitter, and probably lighter, to last a whole match. The game would improve and take away the need for such heavy lumps in the front row.

A problem would be that if you reduce the available front row replacements you increase the likelihood of the game going to uncontested scrums.

Of course you could go back to the days of injury only replacements only but that ain't going to happen, and nor (IMO) should it. It would open the door simultaneously to player welfare concerns and rampant cheating. Who is going to tell a player "no you're not really injured, get back on" and risk the consequences if they actually are injured?

 

[Chap sur le velo]

It is part of their Rugby culture.

I don't believe it gives them any advantage.

As a mate once said they wouldn't do anything just before a game, that wasn't 100% good for them. Nuff said.

If it's really an important part of NZ sporting heritage, why was it dropped from tours in the middle of last century and was only added to home matches later?

When ("responding to the challenge thrown down") Willie Anderson led the Ireland team to inches of thier faces during the Haka, the NZ Rugby Blazers had a fit and made the IRU guys pass a law (outside of the game time!) banning teams from advancing beyond half way. Oh the cries of "disrespecting our recently made up culture!" that come whenever someone steps out of line. Hat's off to Mr, Marler..

Funnily enough you don't hear much about the tradition of Haka's, they were battle cries. A tradition of chants like "I will rape your sister" and "cut your throat". The later is mimicked today in a very recently added bit of theatre where the lead guy walks about, further extending the time they occupy centre stage, whilst their opponents/enemies are ordered to be on best behaviour. Then 23 grown men have a fit that would shame the parents of any 4 year old. Eye rolling, down on the ground, stamping their feet, tounge's out, shouting.... As 'Oscar Wilde would have said' it takes strong men for their opponents not to piss themselves laughing.

I call bulllshit and like any naughty children they should be told that if they keep on behaving like this, then Santa will add it to the list.

 

[AndyRM]

At least the Haka provides a bit of spectacle. I'd ban the singing of God Save the Monarch at everything for being an excruciating dirge, clearly designed to send opponents to sleep.

I don't see how it gives them any kind of advantage either. If a professional player lets it get into their head that much, that's a them problem, not a New Zealand one.

Even without it they'd still be one of the most intimidating sides in the world.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Were the highlights of the mAtch on anything other than Discovery plus plus plus or whatever?. I have D+ for the cycling, but it's not good enough for the rugby. They want more pennies for that and I'm not even sure what I'd get, so they can sod off.

I had a mooch around but couldn't find anything. I'll check YouTube tonight.

 

[geocycle]

I get highlights through Discovery plus. My sub is via BT which also gives access to TNT. All very complicated. I also found out that I could only watch the match at standard definition on the TNT channel but if I chromecast from my phone to tv it’s in HD!

 

[Dogtrousers]

I found some short highlights in YouTube. TBH the radio commentary had given a fairly good picture.

England a bit meh. Not by any means bad, and fairly encouraging in parts, but nothing to get excited about.

 

[Beebo]

I found some short highlights in YouTube. TBH the radio commentary had given a fairly good picture.

England a bit meh. Not by any means bad, and fairly encouraging in parts, but nothing to get excited about.

I think you’re right.
The scoreline flattered them. But they did get to within a missed drop goal and penalty of winning.

 

[Dogtrousers]

What was really frustrating about the short highlights was that to tell you that one side got a penalty they just show the kicker hoofing it over. I'd love to see how the penalty was given away/won.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Listening to R5. Not sounding great for England v Aussie. 7 points down and Aussie playing what sounds like positive stuff.

Amusing to hear Matt Dawson complaining about endless box kicks

Now 10 points down as I type. Were 15-3 up in the first half.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Try for Ollie Sleightholme.

Feeling old. I remember when his dad was a lad.

Edit. Make that 2 tries

 

[Dogtrousers]

England 5 points down with 3 mins to go. 5m scrum to England

Wish this was on the telly.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Wow. Win for Aussie. Incredible last few minutes.

 

[AndyRM]

England 5 points down with 3 mins to go. 5m scrum to England

Wish this was on the telly.

You can get a free month long trial with TNT sports, worth doing, just remember to cancel.

What's England's excuse this time? There isn't a tribal dance to blame...

 

[Chromatic]

What's England's excuse this time?

They are not really very good under Borthwick?