Italophile
Watty Friend (18)
For a game concentrated mainly in the S and SW, the support is remarkable. The FFR teaming up with the Vichy government during WW2 to have RL banned did everyone a favour.
Northern Hemisphere/6N Rugby
- Thread starter Dctarget
- Start date
Italophile
Watty Friend (18)
Cracking Top 14 final in sweltering conditions in Paris. Two very good teams knocking lumps off each other. Toulouse deserved it, BB rarely letting them play the Toulouse way. BB had no answer to Jalonch and Willis who were outstanding. Ntamack seems to have bunged his shoulder again.
Dctarget
David Wilson (68)
Jelonch was my MoTM. Such an unsung hero of French rugby, surprising strength into contact. Showed Samu for what he is, an ineffective Wallaby bencher. BB were missing some grafters like Coleman and Swinton. Jalibert had Ntamack's number regardless of the injury, shame that neither will travel south to NZ.
I semi support Toulouse but would've been great for Bordeaux to cinch it. Amazing Toulouse can do it without Dupont and Mauvaka.
Italophile
Watty Friend (18)
Jalonch should always be first name on the French team sheet. He isn't always. As my mate in Paris pointed out, if Toulouse make a final, they win. Something like 11 in a row they've won. He's a Toulouse fan and would have been happy for Bordeaux to win for a change. Ugo Mola's tears at the end said a lot.
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
Wales getting closer to cutting one (or possibly two) teams:
www.rugbypass.com
It'll be very interesting to see what this means for the URC going forward, they're simplest path is replacing the Welsh side(s) with some from Europe, but I think the ownership structure complicates things a bit there.
It also probably makes an anglo-welsh league that bit more likely, given one of the previous sticking points was the prem not necessarily wanting the full 4 Welsh teams.
Two regions under threat as WRU consider radical changes to failing structure
Welsh rugby's governing body has confirmed it is looking to cut the number of regional teams, possibly in half to two.
www.rugbypass.com
It'll be very interesting to see what this means for the URC going forward, they're simplest path is replacing the Welsh side(s) with some from Europe, but I think the ownership structure complicates things a bit there.
It also probably makes an anglo-welsh league that bit more likely, given one of the previous sticking points was the prem not necessarily wanting the full 4 Welsh teams.
Dan54
David Wilson (68)
One of the most disappointing things for me. Absolutely gutted that it's got to this point for Wales.Wales getting closer to cutting one (or possibly two) teams:
Two regions under threat as WRU consider radical changes to failing structure
Welsh rugby's governing body has confirmed it is looking to cut the number of regional teams, possibly in half to two.
It'll be very interesting to see what this means for the URC going forward, they're simplest path is replacing the Welsh side(s) with some from Europe, but I think the ownership structure complicates things a bit there.
It also probably makes an anglo-welsh league that bit more likely, given one of the previous sticking points was the prem not necessarily wanting the full 4 Welsh teams.
Dan54
David Wilson (68)
Just finished watching a bloody good podcast from UK. Interested to hear them say about to be announced that the Prem clubs in England lost 32 mill pounds between them this season. That's and improvement of 9 mill a 3-4 years ago. That is ponds to, so we looking at doubling that for $s.
What's the podcast?
Dan54
David Wilson (68)
Rugby Podcast I think it's called. Was bloody interesting, they were obviously discussing Lions series. Interesting one was really hoping for clean sweep as it 1oo odd years since it happened. Other fella didn't care, said series over as far as he concerned etc Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton were 2 on it. They suggested the idea of France getting a Lions tour was something they were keen on, saying playing Toulon, Racing etc etc would make it good, So it obviously getting talked about up there. Also suggested to fix one of supposed probs of weaker mid tour games was to play Fiji and Samoa etc instead of just tour to Aus. Other fella on it actually in Aus (think following tour) and he was suggesting there wasn't a lot of interest in Aus about the tour etc, though they loved the test and crowd in Melbourne. Also laughed, as obviously looking at game from UK eyes, they suggested that Gordon's try should of been called back as ref was in way (something that Eddie Jones said). But as always I enjoy seeing all sides , and anything about rugby.
Tomthumb
Peter Johnson (47)
More un-earned arrogance on that pod than any mans ears can handle
Dan54
David Wilson (68)
I thought it was quite interesting for all that Tom. I enjoy watching all things rugby, and I realise that most are just looking at it from their side.
That's what makes them good, seeing what other's think, like rugby forums. I take all these things with a grain of salt obviously, butget idea of what perhaps people over there are discussing?
Tomthumb
Peter Johnson (47)
I find it condescending and arrogant the way they talk about Australian rugby. Australia only just beat England in England, put 50 on Wales and were a play away from beating Ireland yet the way they talk you'd think the Wallabies are worse than every team in the World. Even with their combined 4 nations they can barely squeak by with a contentions decision and you'd think they conquered Everest the way they have carried on
And to say there isn't a lot of interest in Aus a few days after 90,000 people packed in to watch a game in Aus is just silly. But sill is Andy Goode's middle name
Not to mention, Australia at U20 level are routinely in the mix and on average likely well ahead of Ireland and Scotland, and in better health than Wales or Italy. Alot of pundits are too easily swayed by the occasional negative headline, and just run with that, regardless of if there is any substance, and opinions formed in 2023 are still held onto long after they're objectively proven false. Narratives are set, and pundits just talk shit.
Italophile
Watty Friend (18)
Sale lost £6m ($12m AUD) on a turnover of £9m ($18m AUD). In what universe is that sustainable?
Sir Arthur Higgins
Bob Davidson (42)
It isnt
I think it is inevitable that we see prem merge with whatever they call Celtic league this year with a roughly 18-20 team competition.
I think it is inevitable that we see prem merge with whatever they call Celtic league this year with a roughly 18-20 team competition.
Where does that leave South Africa and Italy?
Italophile
Watty Friend (18)
The Premiership has its priorities right. Now, officially, branded The Prem. Pfffft.
You can be sure that CVC will be at the heart of any planning. Looking to manage their £230m investment.
You can be sure that CVC will be at the heart of any planning. Looking to manage their £230m investment.
Strewthcobber
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Their owner Simon Orange is worth 1.25b gbp apparently
Don't really need to be sustainable with that propping you up
Italophile
Watty Friend (18)
URC is an entirely separate comp. Owned by the Irish, Scottish and Welsh Feds plus CVC. Can't see them bailing out the Prem.
Strewthcobber
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Ownership now includes South Africa no?