Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Tue Oct 18, 2011 10:19 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

Looking like Joel Tomkins to Saracens could go through as early as next week. What stood out for me in a recent article were Wigan chairman Ian Lenaghan's comments.
"I’m not worried about rugby union," said Lenagan.
"It irritates me that they are able to pay more to get players, but look at the phenomenal losses they are making. If I was an owner losing millions of pounds I’d be concerned. They are in a mess financially and we are stronger than that."

Priceless!

Very true. Newcastle, Leeds, Wasps, even Sale...all looking grim. Leeds looking ever more likely to go the way of Waterloo, Orrell and London Scottish. One of two things happens now- either the RFU formally accept the licencing argument (rather than just the informal method of trying to keep out the povo clubs) or someone goes bust within 5 years.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Tue Oct 18, 2011 10:48 pm  

Its understandable that Gatland had these thoughts. And I dont think that it would have been that big a deal if in a couple of years time he'd "written" a book in which he disclosed the discussions that took place in the box.

What really makes me want to puke is the way he's made these comments now in an attempt to claim the moral high ground over the ref who sent off the Welsh captain. Despicable.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Tue Oct 18, 2011 11:35 pm  

Cibaman wrote:

in an attempt to claim the moral high ground over the ref who sent off the Welsh captain. Despicable.

...a decision that was 100% correct when following the letter of the law in Union.

I don't get it.....if that had been a frog that dumped a taff on his neck then everything would have been OK.
Simple fact, Wales, even with 14 men should have hammered the french....but they didn't. That's why he's bitter.......he thinks Graham Henry has his job and he's upset that the AB's made the final.......

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Oct 22, 2011 5:19 pm  

According to Jamie Roberts, after their performances at the World Cup, Wales are now a global force which is a bit strange as they have lost to France, South Africa and Australia. They did of course beat those giants of the world game Fiji, Namibia and Samoa (and Ireland of course)

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Oct 22, 2011 5:34 pm  

Dunbar wrote:

According to Jamie Roberts, after their performances at the World Cup, Wales are now a global force which is a bit strange as they have lost to France, South Africa and Australia. They did of course beat those giants of the world game Fiji, Namibia and Samoa (and Ireland of course)

If you take out the top three, who are on a different level in my opinion, you could argue that Wales are a global force. It's also a good idea to ignore the fact that apart from one side from South America all other contenders to the global force that is Wales are European.

Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
------------------------------------
France, Wales, England, Ireland
------------------------------------
Argentina, Italy
------------------------------------
The rest

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Oct 22, 2011 6:42 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

If you take out the top three, who are on a different level in my opinion, you could argue that Wales are a global force. It's also a good idea to ignore the fact that apart from one side from South America all other contenders to the global force that is Wales are European.

Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
------------------------------------
France, Wales, England, Ireland
------------------------------------
Argentina, Italy
------------------------------------
The rest

Bit harsh on Scotland that list – they are consistently better than Italy

Anyway, my point is that if you made that list before and after Wales performances in the World Cup, nothing would have changed... get beat by the best teams, hammer the also ran’s and competitive against the home Nations and France. The fact Wales got to the semi finals is testimony to the way the knockout stages unfolded, not their quality

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Oct 22, 2011 8:32 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

If you take out the top three, who are on a different level in my opinion, you could argue that Wales are a global force. It's also a good idea to ignore the fact that apart from one side from South America all other contenders to the global force that is Wales are European.

Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
------------------------------------
France, Wales, England, Ireland
------------------------------------
Argentina, Italy
------------------------------------
The rest

....yep, it's not like Tonga and Samoa are getting better over time is it?

I'd also point out that whilst there is still a bit of inevitabilty about the RU, with the same 4 or 5 teams there or there abouts at the final, it's in a lot better state than the other code....where there are 3 teams and 2 of them are playing for the chance to meet the third in a final every time there is a tournament.
Couple of pretty boring semi-finals in this RWC, but I'd rather that than a niling of Fiji in a semi-final

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Oct 22, 2011 9:03 pm  

Dunbar wrote:

Bit harsh on Scotland that list – they are consistently better than Italy

Missed the Jocks. I'd put them on the same level as the Italians and Argentina.

gutterfax wrote:

....yep, it's not like Tonga and Samoa are getting better over time is it?
I'd also point out that whilst there is still a bit of inevitabilty about the RU, with the same 4 or 5 teams there or there abouts at the final, it's in a lot better state than the other code....where there are 3 teams and 2 of them are playing for the chance to meet the third in a final every time there is a tournament.
Couple of pretty boring semi-finals in this RWC, but I'd rather that than a niling of Fiji in a semi-final

There you go again bringing up rugby league when we're talking about international union on a union board. Get that chip off your shoulder son.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Oct 22, 2011 9:26 pm  

Beaumont on ropes as IRB vote descends into Fifa-style farce 'The meeting turned ugly when it became clear that the associations representing the smaller unions, such as Asia, Africa, North America and Europe, held the balance of power. They were wooed with offers, but some delegates were warned about the consequences of voting for the other side, threatened with the loss of financial support and an end to development tours.'

Beaumont on ropes as IRB vote descends into Fifa-style farce 'The meeting turned ugly when it became clear that the associations representing the smaller unions, such as Asia, Africa, North America and Europe, held the balance of power. They were wooed with offers, but some delegates were warned about the consequences of voting for the other side, threatened with the loss of financial support and an end to development tours.'

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Oct 22, 2011 9:27 pm  

Urmston Wire wrote: Very true. Newcastle, Leeds, Wasps, even Sale...all looking grim. Leeds looking ever more likely to go the way of Waterloo, Orrell and London Scottish. One of two things happens now- either the RFU formally accept the licencing argument (rather than just the informal method of trying to keep out the povo clubs) or someone goes bust within 5 years. Talking of financial problems in the game; Lomu's old French club goes under. Wasps will not pursue their interest in Pumas flanker Genaro Fessia after boss Dai Young conceded he was out of their price range.

Urmston Wire wrote: Very true. Newcastle, Leeds, Wasps, even Sale...all looking grim. Leeds looking ever more likely to go the way of Waterloo, Orrell and London Scottish. One of two things happens now- either the RFU formally accept the licencing argument (rather than just the informal method of trying to keep out the povo clubs) or someone goes bust within 5 years. Talking of financial problems in the game; Lomu's old French club goes under. Wasps will not pursue their interest in Pumas flanker Genaro Fessia after boss Dai Young conceded he was out of their price range.