Rugby - Rucks And Rolls

E-mail Subscription

Receive an e-mail notification of new posts on this site:

Vimu Subscription

Rugby - Rucks and Rolls

Previous Page (1-14) | Next Page (29-42)

Happy Leap Year Day everyone!
Not sure what this means you can do, other than leap frogs, puddles and tall buildings (well this is a Super post...).

Oh yeah...the ladeez can propose. A toast?

On with the games...

*********************

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29

HURRICANES (NZ) v CHIEFS (NZ)
at Westpac Stadium, Wellington
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2

Last meeting: Hurricanes 39-32, in Hamilton, February 2007

The Chiefs got lucky last week with their win over The Waratahs. Yes I know I give the Tahs a lot of grief but if it wasn't for the last minute penalty (handed on a platter with bells on by the Tahs)...Tahs Coach, Ewen McKenzie would have been back in hospital...

Hurricanes caned Qld last week. And the match wasn't pretty either... Don't really care who wins at this stage but I flipped a coin anyway. (plus history says so...)

Hurricanes to win.

********************

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

WESTERN FORCE v LIONS (SA)

at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
LIVE at 3:30am AEST Fox Sports 2

Last meeting: Lions 25-24, in Perth, February '07

Apparently, the Lions remain the only South African team that hasn't been beaten ~~up by Matt Henjak~~ by the Force.
What does it all mean?
Pride has no place with the Force?

hahahahahahahahahahahaahahaha hahahaha!!!...ahhh sheesh...I'm funny...

Anyway, the Lions are feeling the Blues after being thrashed by them. Wounded pride makes them dangerous. Still...Gits was on fire last week and Cameron Shepherd is back at fullback, moving Drew Mitchell to wing where he does the most damage.

Force to win.
_________________

CRUSADERS (NZ) v STORMERS (SA)

at Newlands, Cape Town.
LIVE at 5:30am AEST Fox Sports 2

Last meeting: Crusaders 36-11 in Christchurch, March 2007

Ho hum. Does anyone really care? We all know this is a done deal...or is it?

Believe it or not, The Stormers have actually had themselves a can of Crusaders whup ass, way back in '06...but The Stormers haven't whipped up any wins so far this year and The Crusaders...well, they're out to get the Holy Grail.

Crusaders by 400.

____________________

HIGHLANDERS (NZ) v NSW WARATAHS

at Carisbrook, Dunedin
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2

Last meeting: Highlanders 26-25, in Sydney, April 2007

Oh my God. Carisbrook is the House of Pain.

...and the Tahs are already in pain with the loss of Prop snArL Baxter and the Highlanders pack is as scary as a Scot denied his brew on Hogmanay.

Pudding aka Matt Dunning has moved to Tighthead, which means that the Tahs are going to get penalised for not engaging and Pudding will kiss the ground and then he'll cry.

AND...Kurtley Beale sucks. Larkham's successor his ass...umption.

Highlanders haven't won a match...but that will change. Sorry Tahs, but I'm picking the Highlanders to win.

(NB. If the Tahs win...I'll eat my Tah backwards.)
_________________

QLD REDS v BRUMBIES

at Canberra Stadium, Canberra
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2

Last meeting: Brumbies 6-3, Brisbane, February 2007

May The God of Rugby-ing forgive me for this lack of faith but...Fisher didn't use the answer to my his prayers.
Larkham would have been the Saviour.

The Brumbies are hurting, they're hurting bad and the Reds are looking good to win their first ever match in Canberra.
(The Reds have won only once in 13 matches v The Brumbies.)

Comparing the Reds backline to the Brumbies...I'll take Ferrari horsepower over equine speed. And that Angry Koala is a bear back rider...

Reds will win. Fisher to beg for forgiveness.
...but just in case the mere presence of Larkham is a blessing for these guys...
Go The Brumbies!!
___________________

SUNDAY, MARCH 2

CHEETAHS (SA) v BLUES (NZ)
in Bloemfontein, SA.
LIVE at 2:00am AEST Fox Sports 2

Last meeting: Blues 26-8, in Auckland, April 2007

The Blues are bruising their opponents and the Cheetahs are just not good enough to land one.

Blues cruise.
___________________

BULLS (SA) v SHARKS (SA)

at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2

Last meeting: Bulls 20-19 in Durban, May 2007

May I suggest you at least program the DVD-R?

Even though the Bulls were massacred by the Crusaders last week, these 2 are the 2007 finalists (Bulls won).

The Sharks are currently sitting 3rd on the Ladder....and I'm predicting Jaws will chomp the Bullrush.

Sharks attack.

*****************************

Thank you for clicking this;

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Super 14

Email this Post to a Friend

The ELVs and The Super 14

February 27th 2008 22:00

No, this isn't Tolkien's unknown 7th book...but Legolas would make a kickass flyhalf...

The Super 14 Rugby Experimental Law Variations

Okay, I haven't mentioned much...nay...nothing about the the ELVs (Experimental Law Variations) other than to write a post about it ages ago when it was first introduced for the now defunct and always doomed, Australian Rugby Championships.

The ELVs are being trialled in the Super 14 and according to the Australian Rugby Union

Spectators and fans will witness a quicker and more exciting brand of rugby in 2008, following a decision by the South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby Unions (SANZAR) to adopt a range of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) for the 2008 Super 14 competition.

I don't really understand the new rules. Well of course I do but I don't understand the reasons as to why they're needed. There's nothing wrong with Rugby the way it is. Well...one thing...but I suppose he had to retire one day...

The primary aim of the ELVs is to keep the ball in play longer, with fewer stoppages and more running Rugby, thereby creating

...a more free-flowing, faster and exciting style of play.

The ELVs supposedly make the game simpler to understand, for players and spectators alike.

Hmmm. Looks to me the primary aim is to make Rugby secondary to League... in the simplifying not the faster and exciting... Sorry League fans

...but I'm not the only one to think so... (post to follow).

Basically the International Rugby Board sees the ELVs as a way to revive the Game after the IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset "conceded" that the Rugby played in last year's RWC wasn't up to "a high level".

For the second tournament in succession the final featured no tries. Lapasset said some Pool matches had been entertaining but...

...more tries were needed in the playoff matches to ensure the tournament remained an entertaining spectacle.

Super 14 is the control experiment for the Experimental Law Variations and although the laws are being used at a low level in France, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, there are concerns they will not be "embraced" by the northern hemisphere.

It will be the detailed analysis of the Super 14 that influences the IRB when it meets in November. Then the decision will be made whether (or not) to trial the laws at all levels of the game globally next year...with the decision to make the laws permanent made at the end of 2009.

So far, the reviews for this supposedly "quicker and more exciting way" are mixed.

If this was a movie, the critics would love it, the actors would hate it, the limelighters would love it and it would fail at the box office then do really well on DVD.

The following ELVs have been applied in the 2008 Super 14: (8 in total)

Posts and flags around the field

1. Corner posts will be positioned at the outside junction of the goal line (try line) and the touch line.

What this means:

No freakin' idea.

Kidding.

a). If a player is in possession of the ball and touches a corner post he will not be in touch unless he touches the touchline or the ground beyond the touchline. (so players head can be bashed up against the corner post but he can't pass out, fall and touch the line)

b) If the ball is not being carried by a player and it touches the corner post the ball will not be deemed to be touch in goal (so fingers crossed for a lucky bounce)

Where all the lines are on a Rugby field

(click image for large view)

Inside the 22 metre line

2. When a defending player receives the ball outside the 22 metre line and passes, puts or takes the ball back inside the 22, the following can occur;

a) If the ball is then kicked directly into touch, the lineout is in line with where the ball was kicked (instead of where it landed)

b. If a tackle, ruck or maul is subsequently formed and the ball is then kicked directly into touch, the lineout is where the ball crossed the touch line.

3. Lineout

On a quick throw in, the ball can be thrown straight or backwards towards the defenders goal line, but not forward towards the opposition goal line.

What this means:

I'm not sure seeing as I thought this rule was always the rule.

Breakdown (tackle/post tackle)

4. Players entering the breakdown area must do so through the gate.

What this means:
The breakdown is the precious moments immediately after a tackle and before the ruck is formed.
The gate refers to the 'opening' in the back-middle of the ruck formed by players draped over the ball.
The ruck is formed after a player has been tackled and then released and then gets jumped on by any combination of 3 players from both teams who bind together over the ball and push over to try and gain possession.

Yep. It's kindy-style Stacks On!

5. Immediately the tackle occurs there are offside lines.

What this means:
Depending on the team. If it's an Australian team...they're not offside, they're just eager.

Offside is an imaginary line that players must stay behind. In the tackle case, all players must stay behind the line 'created' by their tackled team mate.

6. The half back should not be touched unless he has his hands on the ball.

What this means:
No gratuitous inflicting of pain. Also goes for the flyhalf.

Scrum

7.The offside line, for players who are not in the scrum and who are not the teams scrum half, is 5 metres behind the hindmost foot of the scrum.

What this means:
No jumping the gun for players who are not involved in the scrum. Stay Back (literally) until the ball gets to you.

Sanctions

8. For all offences other than offside, not entering through the gate and Foul Play, the sanction is a Free Kick.

What this means:
The player got caught. The opposition got lucky.

I only have other thing to say. If the IRB really wanted to make Rugby "...a more free-flowing, faster and exciting style of play"..they'd take the whistles off the Refs.

********************

Laws courtesy of ARU

Please send me a Message if you would like to discuss/debate the ELVs and I will open the Comments Section.
However, I cannot guarantee a quick response as I am currently in Middle Earth and broadband connection here is terrible...

Thank you for clicking this;

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Rugby

Email this Post to a Friend

Super 14 2008: Round 2 Stats

February 26th 2008 21:30

Please click on tables for enlarged view.
Sorry, can't figure out how to embed/create tables within the body of the post!

Ladder:

Yayyy! The Brumbies are no longer at the bottom! Unfortunately the Crusadsacks are still at the top. And no I'm not going to mature any time soon.

P = Played
W = Won
D = Drawn
L = Lost
PF = Points For
PA = Points Against
PD = Points Differential
BP = Bonus Points

Points are awarded in all Super 14 matches as follows:

Win: 4 points
Draw: 2 points
Loss: 1 point, for a loss by a margin of seven or fewer points
Loss: 0 points
Bonus: 1 point, for scoring at least four tries

******************************

Top Point Scorers:

Again....ignore the name at the top...insignificant really...

******************************

Top Try Scorers:

******************************

info courtesy of Australian Rugby

Thank you for clicking this;

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Super 14

Email this Post to a Friend

George Gregan: Still Too Good in Toulon

February 25th 2008 22:00

Aaah George...Even if you're in all the wrong colours, you're still a glass and a half-back of chocolate goodness...

George Gregan in action during the RC Toulon v Blagnac match (Pro D2 competition) in France on Sat Feb 23rd. Toulon won 34-9.

Where's Stephen when I need him? And why do I sound like Dusk...?

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Rugby

Email this Post to a Friend

Stephen Larkham To Rescue The Brumbies? Again??

February 25th 2008 05:42

Subtitled:

Dusk Sees Light at End of Tunnel Vision!

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Rugby

Email this Post to a Friend

Should The New Wallabies Coach Still Be Coaching His NZ Side?

February 24th 2008 23:00

Huh. This is something I should have posted before the Super 14 started but, although I had come across this shocking info a few weeks ago, I completely forgot about it...possibly because it was just too shocking and my brain filed it under 'F' for rhymes with rucked.

I am really shocked about this

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Rugby

Email this Post to a Friend

Dan Carter: All Black is so last season...

February 24th 2008 21:30

...gold, green, navy and white are the colours toujours.*

All Blacks and Crusaders Flyhalf Dan Carter is considering his future in New Zealand Rugby and may move overseas when his contract ends this year

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Rugby

Email this Post to a Friend

Super 14: Round 2 Results (3 out of 5...not bad)

February 23rd 2008 22:00

...and tomorrow I will predict the Dow Jones average for the next 5 years and maybe even read a few palms.
(I'm an experienced palm reader. My children use to stick their hands out frequently and I always saw Mary Reiby and John Flynn disappear...boomtish Thankyerverreemuch. I'm here all week.)

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Super 14

Email this Post to a Friend

The Dark Side of The (Western) Force

February 22nd 2008 23:02

By now Sportsfans all know that Henjak has an 'issue' (see previous posts) and that if the 'issue' fits...then you're Sin-derella.

...but what if Sin-derella is the only one who can go to the ball

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Super 14

Email this Post to a Friend

Matt Henjak: Darth Brawl Gets A New Hope

February 22nd 2008 23:01

This is a continuation of the previous post; Matt Henjak: Western Force's Sith Lord

Disgraced (such a handy word) Western Force player Matt Henjak has been offered a new hope by former Wallabies Coach, Eddie Jones who bears a slight resemblance to Yoda but doesn't have the cool mind trick factor

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Rugby

Email this Post to a Friend

Matt Henjak: Western Force's Sith Lord - Darth Brawl

February 22nd 2008 23:00

Sportsfans have probably heard all about the trials and tribulations of Western Force halfback Matt Henjak aka Sith Lord Darth Brawl.

Matt Henjak talks to the media after his contract termination hearing (image on Rucks and Rolls courtesy of Rugby Heaven)

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Rugby

Email this Post to a Friend

Super 14: Round 2 Fixtures

February 22nd 2008 03:41

...and a gratuitous ~~perve~~ perfection shot...just because...

Stephen Larkham. Wallaby. Brumby. Legend. And damn gorgeous.

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Super 14

Email this Post to a Friend

Super 14 2008: Round 1 Stats

February 21st 2008 21:30

Well sportsfans...here are the results of Week One's efforts.

(please click on tables to see enlarged view)
[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Super 14

Email this Post to a Friend

Waratahs Coach in Hospital!

February 21st 2008 05:56

The shock of seeing the NSW Waratahs win a match was too much for Waratahs Coach, Ewen McKenzie who was rushed to hospital after the realisation sunk in.

Sources say that McKenzie had gone in to shock as soon as the whistle blew at full time and the Waratahs were top of the scoreboard in last weeks' match aganist the Hurricanes

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: DuskDevi - Category: Super 14

Email this Post to a Friend