General Chat

HAKA

I have been thinking a lot about Det's thoughts in connection with the Haka and the Sweet Chariots singing!

I have always felt that we should respect each others traditions etc. and I had approached the subject with this thought in mind.

I have always regarded the All Black's Haka as entertainment. Their sharing of their tradition with fellow rugby fans.

When I referred to The Wales team's "face off" (2008), I had really thought in my naivety, that it was all staged for dramatic purpose.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fYIUdVNFgU

HOWEVER, having looked into it more, I have found out that many were offended by Wales' actions.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7750284.stm

In hindsight, perhaps I overreacted in calling England fan's actions disrespectful, especially considering that possibly Wales was too!

I suppose this is the crux of the matter-
ARE THE ALL BLACKS BEING INTENTIONALLY INTIMIDATING, AND THEREFORE "ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR"? ....Perhaps! ;-) :-D


Personally, I love watching the Haka!!!:-D :-D :-D

IRELAND v SOUTH AFRICA part 2

SECOND HALF

The second half starts strongly for Ireland. Tommy Bowe, in particular is playing well.

Within minutes, Late Replacement RHYS RUDDOCK scores IRELAND'S FIRST TRY!
Paul O'Connell made space in the maul, to enable Ruddock to dive over the Tryline.

CONVERTED BY SEXTON

SCORE:
IRELAND 13 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 3

There is a collision between Ireland team mates Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahoney, following a chip kick by Le Roux.
Play is stopped while Mahoney gets medical treatment.

S A get a penalty for Ireland "not releasing at the breakdown". Pollard kicks for corner. Still South Africa fail to score a Try as Victor Matfield is penalised at the ruck.

Springbok Replacements
Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje OFF
Schalk Burger ON

Cornal Hendricks OFF
JP Pietersen ON

Burger knocks-on shortly afterwards.

South Africa are having a strong scrum. They are pushing forward and attacking in Ireland's 22. Sloppy passing now, and the ball goes loose. We go back for the knock-on.

S A gain advantage, as ball comes away at the scrum. Ireland are being pushed to the limit, but their are holding on. Their defence has been strong so far, but can they keep it up?

Jack Mc Grath not driving straight, and coming up in the scrum.
The Penalty goes to South Africa, who go for the corner, lineout and driving maul.

Ireland broke up completely under the huge pressure from the Springboks.
MARCELL COETZEE POWERS HIS WAY OVER THE TRY LINE
And it'sthe first Try for the South Africans.

HANDRE POLLARD CONVERTS

SCORE:
IRELAND 13 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 10

Ireland are now looking tired.
Adriaan Strauss wins a penalty for South Africa. Lineout, but ball goes into touch.

Two scuffles break out. One scuffle between South Africa 1, Tendai Mtawarira & Ireland 7, Rhys Rudduck, The other scuffle between South Africa 20, Schalk Burger & Ireland's 9, Conor Murray. Referee warns them all.

Johnny Sexton is treated for cramp.

Vermeulen escapes a Yellow Card for a High Tackle on Heaslip but a penalty is awarded to Ireland.

Johnny Sexton is going to do the honours, despite having had cramp. Will it affect his kicking? NOT AT ALL!!!

SCORE
IRELAND 16 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 10

South Africa are making good ground. Ireland's Devin Toner is commended for good work in the tackle. A double tackle by O'Connell and Henshaw causes Coetzee to knock on.
Toner is now having treatment.

The crowds are now singing "The Fields of Athenry" for all they are worth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr1rzSSMsac

Irish scrum now. Connor Murray gets the ball away quickly to Sexton who kicks long. Le Roux Counter Kicks and finds touch.
Ireland Lineout follows. It goes long. Chaos ensues, as Rob Kearney is taken out in the air by Adriaan Strauss. It goes to the TMO.

YELLOW CARD FOR ADRIAAN STRAUSS.

The ref decided to yellow card Strauss because of an accumulation of incidents, including the earlier high tackle by Vermeulen on Heaslip, and the missed knock-on.

So now South Africa are down to 14 men.

Johnny Sexton places a perfect kick into the corner, with what the TV Commentator called "pinpoint geometrical accuracy".
The crowds are cheering now!
Vermeulen has to replace the yellow carded Strauss at the throw in. SA win the throw in but are turned over by Ireland.

Powerful stuff now as Ireland push toward the Tryline. Henshaw runs strongly with the ball, but Coetzee is upon him with a great tackle, and slows Henshaw down, but they gain a penalty!

SEXTON'S KICKING BOOTS ...ANOTHER 3 POINTS

SCORE:
IRELAND 19 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 10

South Africa are beginning to panic now, which leads to a "flamboyant" failed off-load by Le Roux to Serfontein. The ball drops forward.

Mass changes now as time runs out!

Scrum, Sexton breaks, runs, off-loads to Murray. Murray chips the ball over the top, and here comes TOMMY BOWE for Ireland! He catches the ball, and he's over the Tryline!

Amazing as Bowe has not played for a year. He missed the 6 Nations and the Argentina Tour!
CONVERTED by Sexton yet again!

" Phenomenal Kicking Performance; The Legend Grows" says the TV commentator of Sexton. and "One of the worlds sublime finishers" of Tommy Bowe

SCORE:
IRELAND 26 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 10

Ireland must know now that this game is in the bag! Crowds singing again!

Ireland turnover after turnover. There's no stopping them!

Ireland's Mike Ross is helped off the field limping. It looks quite serious.

Jonathan Sexton is replaced by Ian Madigan.

Another penalty for Ireland for SA " not releasing"
This time Ian Madigan does the honours and adds another 3 points to Ireland's score!

SCORE:
IRELAND 29 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 10

The Springboks have not quite thrown in the towel however.
In the dying minutes of the game, the is a final charge by the Boks, and JP Pietersen gallops over for a TRY!

Pat Lambie, who has replaced Handre Pollard misses the conversion.

SCORE:
IRELAND 29 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 15

AND IT'S ALL OVER!

WHAT A GAME!

GUINNESS SERIES MAN OF THE MATCH ~ JONATHAN SEXTON (Ireland)

FINAL SCORE:
IRELAND 29 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 15

Congratulations Ireland and all GR Ireland fans
I was shouting for BC's BOYS like she once asked me too <3

Commiserations to South Africa and GR Springboks fans

IRELAND v SOUTH AFRICA: THE MATCH

Following the minute silence for the South African Sporting Stars who have recently died, we had the anthems.

First South Africa's Anthem-
NKOSI SIKELEL I AFRICA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhUMsqei7kM

Then Ireland's turn. Ireland have 2 national anthems.

First, the National Anthem of the Republic Of Ireland
A SOLDIER'S SONG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKVfLJcZR-8

"A Soldiers' Song" was composed in 1907, with words by Peadar Kearney and music by Kearney and Patrick Heeney

Next, IRELAND'S CALL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAtMzIacbMQ

A MUST SEE CLIP!

"Ireland's Call" is a song commissioned by the Irish Rugby Football Union for use at international Rugby Union fixtures. It has since also been adopted by the Irish Hockey, Cricket, Rugby League, Ireland national korfball team, and A1GP teams.


MATCH REFEREE: ROMAINE POITE


South Africa's Handre Pollard kicked off this great match. Very soon, however, the ball is in Irish hands following a Knock-On from Vermeulen.

Johnny Sexton's high kick is caught by Willie le Roux from under his own goal posts.

A Springbok maul starts strongly, but loses strength.
Possession with Ireland again-Robbie Henshaw- Jared Payne- Jonathan Sexton, who kicks. Le Roux get's the ball and finds touch.

The Springboks win the Lineout, but in the ensuing play there is an incident.
On the television screen you can clearly see S A's Marcell Coetzee driving Jamie Heaslip through the throat. It goes to the TMO. However, the Referee decides to let the incident go! :-0 :-0

Now comes the first scrum of the match. Tommy Bowe unsuccessfully tries to use footballing skills to break down the touchline, but the ball runs away from him and beats him into touch.

An Irish Lineout comes next. South Africa have too many men in the lineout, so Ireland get a free kick. They decide on a scrum, where they are awarded a penalty for Du Plessis collapsing the scrum.

Here comes Johnny Sexton for the first Penalty goal attempt of the match.
Will he do it? No problem for Ireland's skilled Fly-Half.

SCORE:
IRELAND 3 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 0

South Africa are on the attack now. Jan Serfontein breaks through the line. Ireland are defending with all their might. A bad pass by Cornal Hendricks sends the ball into touch. So now it's an Irish Lineout, which leads to an Irish Maul.

Simon Zebo kicks, but it is returned by Le Roux. Finally, the ball ends up deep in Irish territory.

South Africa steal the ball at the lineout. The Springboks are now well placed, but lose the ball in a forward pass.

Exciting play continues, with turnover after turnover. Ireland gain possession but are penalised at the ruck because an Ireland player "off his feet".

Now it's Handre Pollard's attempt at a penalty goal. His attempt fails however, but it was a long range shot.

Rob Kearney is playing very well.

While a possible Knock-On is being discussed by the referee, a scrap has broken out between S A 8, Duane Vermeulen and Ireland 7, Rhys Ruddock. HANDBAGS :-D
Nothing comes of the knock-on situation and the ref lets the scrap go too!

Kearney still playing great, running and dodging the tackle.
There's a South Africa Off-Side and a penalty is given to Ireland AND it's in Johnny Sexton's range!

No problem for Sexton, as he curls it between the posts.

SCORE:
IRELAND 6 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 0

Scrummage time now. South Africa are forceful, and under this pressure, Ireland do not drive straight. So a penalty now goes to SA. Pollard kicks for the corner.

Scrum after scrum ensues. Infringements committed first this way, and then that way.

At this point of play IRELAND HAVE HAD 61% OF BALL POSSESSION.

South Africa are again on the attack. Then a ruck infringement gives South Africa a penalty. Ireland's Captain, Paul O'Connell comes through the ruck illegally. He was "Off his feet".

This time Handre Pollard does not miss. Now South Africa are ON THE BOARD!

SCORE:
IRELAND 6 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 3

Last minute of the first half. Ireland have a lineout. South Africa's Victor Matfield steals the ball, but then Oupa Mohoje Knocks-On and the whistle goes for Half Time!

HALF TIME SCORE
IRELAND 6 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 3

And that's Part 1 of my commentary finished

Part 2 to come
:-D :-D

IRELAND v SOUTH AFRICA ~ MINUTE SILENCE

Before the National Anthems were sung, there was a minute's silence as a mark of respect, for several South African Sporting Stars (past and present) who have sadly died in the past fortnight.

These stars included South African International Rugby Union Player SENZO MEYIWA.

Meyiwa was shot in a house in The Vosloorus Township, on October 26th, in front of his girlfriend. He was pronounced dead on arrival in a Johannesburg hospital. He was just 27 years old.

South Africa Hooker,skipper and selector ABIE MALAN died following complications after undergoing knee surgery.

Former Western Province centre TINUS LINEE, who played nine tour games for the Springboks, also died on Monday from Motor Neurone Disease. He was only 45 years old.

Former 800 metres athletics world champion MBULAENI MUKAUDZI was killed in a car crash.

It must have been an emotional moment for the South African players.

IRELAND v SOUTH AFRICA

Played Saturday 8th November 2014

IRELAND 29 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 15

The Teams:

IRELAND:
Head Coach Joe Schmidt

Backs:
15. Rob Kearney
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Jared Payne
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Simon Zebo
10. Jonathan Sexton
9. Conor Murray

Forwards:
1. Jack McGrath
2. Sean Cronin
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Paul O’Connell
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Rhys Rudduck
8. Jamie Heaslip

Replacements:
16.Richardt Strauss; 17. Dave Kilcoyne, 18. Rodney Ah You, 19. Mike McCarthy, 20. Tommy O'Donnell;
21. Eoin Reddon, 22. Ian Madigan, 23. Felix Jones

SOUTH AFRICA SPRINGBOKS:
Coach Heyneke Meyer

Backs:
15. Willie le Roux
14. Cornal Hendricks
13. Jan Serfontein
12. Jean de Villiers (Captain)
11. Bryan Habana
10. Handré Pollard
9. Francois Hougaard

Forwards:
1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Victor Matfield (vice-captain)
6. Marcell Coetzee
7. Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje
8. Duane Vermeulen

Replacements:
16. Adriaan Strauss, 17. Trevor Nyakane, 18. Coenie Oosthuizen, 19. Bakkies Botha,
20. Schalk Burger, 21. Cobus Reinach, 22. Pat Lambie, 23. JP Pietersen

THE POINTS:

IRELAND:

Tries- 2
Rhys Ruddock; Tommy Bowe ............................10 points
Conversions- 2
Jonathan Sexton .................................................. 4 points
Penalty Goals-
Jonathan Sexton (4); Ian Madigan ......................15 points ..... TOTAL POINTS 29

SOUTH AFRICA:

Tries- 2
Marcell Coetzee; J P Pietersen ...........................10 points
Conversions- 1
Handré Pollard ....................................................... 2 points
Penalty Goals- 1
Handré Pollard ....................................................... 3 points ..... TOTAL POINTS 15

MATCH REPORT TO FOLLOW :-)

RESULTS

More Results of Saturdays Matches:

ITALY 24 ~ SAMOA 13

FRANCE 40 ~ FIJI 15

I HAVE YET TO WATCH THE IRELAND v SOUTH AFRICA GAME!

So when I do I'll be back! :-D :-D

Hiya Det :-D :-D :-D

It's a spectacle!

They should do what the Welsh did and face them off! :-D :-D :-D

MORRIS DANCING WOULD BE FUN! :-D

ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND:

SECOND HALF!

Score stands at..
ENGLAND 14 ~ NEW ZEALAND 11

New Zealand Replacement now-
Brodie Retallick OFF
Patrick Tuiipulotu ON

In the first minute of the second half, England concede a penalty to New Zealand, for "NOT MOVING AWAY" at the tackle.
Cruden is going for a penalty goal. This time he misses as the ball bounces off the post, right into the hands of England's Dave Attwood.
Attwood dummies, and runs, but is brought down.

Penalty to England this time for Tuipolatu "Coming in from the side". England kick for touch, but it is saved from finding touch by Julian Savea. A GOOD SAVEA YOU COULD SAY! ;-) :-D ...groan! :-0

New Zealand are on the attack! The create space, and although slightly clumsy, it allows RICHIE McCAW to score a TRY.

The conversion is way off mark however.

SCORE: ENGLAND 14 ~ NEW ZEALAND 16

New Zealand have taken the lead for the first time this match.

More New Zealand Replacements:
Owen Franks OFF
Charlie Faumuina ON
Conrad Smith OFF
Ryan Crotty ON

A very unusual incident now... JULIAN SAVEA is taken into touch :-0 :-0 :-0
Unbelievable!

England Replacement now:
Ben Morgan ON
Billy Vunipola OFF

England's Kyle Eastman is charged down by The All Blacks now. Confusion reigns!
Have New Zealand scored a Try?

There are issues to discuss. Nigel Owens debates with the TMO.
Issues-
Does the ball touch the Tryline?
Was it still in the ruck?
Was there an "off-side" involved?

The issue is further clouded by the quick thinking of England's SAM WHITELOCK who pulls the ball away from the try line from within the tangled mass of rugby players!

NIGEL MAKES HIS DECISION!
The ball IS on the line.
There is NO OFF-SIDE
BUT..
The the potential New Zealand Try scorer has KNOCKED ON and there was NO PRESSURE ON THE GROUNDING!

So Nigel says NO TRY and the TMO agrees!

England Replacement
Matt Mullan ON
Joe Marler OFF

The Linesman raises his flag. He has spotted a kerffuffle!! It involved the two number 2s!
Nigel has not seen it. He consults the TMO AND repeatedly views the offences on screen.
England's 2 Dylan Hartley has pulled New Zealander Dane Coles' shirt. He responds by kicking Hartley all out with his studded foot!

This time Nigel Owens and the TMO disagree as to the punishment!
But Our Nige is his own man!
He approaches Dane Coles and tells him that he appreciates there was a pull, but that he will not tolerate Coles' behaviour AND IT'S A YELLOW CARD FOR COLES!

New Zealand Replacements
Wyatt Crockett OFF
Ben Franks ON
Aaron Cruden OFF
Beauden Barrett ON
Jerome Kaino OFF
Keven Mealamu ON

It's now POURING with rain!

England are now having to defend the tryline for all their worth.
England get the ball and it is kicked up field.

England Replacement
Danny Care OFF
Ben Youngs ON
Semesa Rokoduguni OFF
Anthony Watson ON

Next a Penalty conceded to New Zealand by England Off-side.
Beauden Barrett goes for his first goal in this match.
He missed!

Another England Replacement
Kyle Eastmond OFF
George Ford ON

A near Try by New Zealand

Penalty now caused by England's Tom Wood being off-side.
Beauden Barrett has a second attempt at a Penalty Goal. This time he doesn't miss.
New Zealand further their lead.

SCORE:
ENGLAND 14 ~ NEW ZEALAND 19

New Zealand Replacement:
Aaron Smith OFF
TJ Perenara ON

Infringements now by England!
New Zealand benefit! They are pushing hard on the Tryline!
Ben Smith attempts a Try in the corner! Not quite!

But here comes CHARLIE FAUMUINA
...and it's his FIRST INTERNATIONAL TRY!

But wait... the linesman's flag is up! He says it hasn't gone over the line!
TMO clears his objection! IT WAS AN ADVERTISING LINE that the Linesman was looking at.!
TRY STANDS!

Barrett fails to convert!

SCORE:
ENGLAND 14 ~ NEW ZEALAND 24

England Replacement
David Wilson OFF
Kieran Brookes ON

Penalty to England for New Zealand collapsing scrum. England have a lineout, which they win but then there's a Knock-On.

More penalty scrums ensue. Infringements after infringements by the New Zealanders.
Eventually Nigel Owens says.. PENALTY TRY AWARDED TO ENGLAND!
with the Drop Goal Conversion, England has gained 7 more points!

SCORE:
ENGLAND 21 ~ NEW ZEALAND 24

Just seconds to go. New Zealand take their time to restart the game!
Can England possibly snatch a win from the jaws of defeat?

CLOCK HAS GONE RED!

England's Captain CHRIS ROBSHAW drops the ball and
IT'S ALL OVER!

FINAL SCORE:
ENGLAND 21 ~ NEW ZEALAND 24

QBE MAN OF THE MATCH ~~ RICHIE McCAW (New Zealand)

Congratulations to New Zealanders and GR New Zealand fans...
......Persie that's you if you are looking in! :-D

Commiserations to England and all GR England Fans!

I HOPE YOU HAVE ALL ENJOYED MY COMMENTARY!

"Drown out the Haka" - and why not? Its a war chant intended to intimidate!

I've always thought that an England team should put on a Morris dance - prance around with bells and handkies & The NZers would probably collapse in gales of laughter. Anything to put them off their game :-D

ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND: THE MATCH

A BUGLER PLAYS THE LAST POST
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7ZbAdP7v5Q

THEN A MINUTE SILENCE FOR THE FALLEN


Then came the anthems

First New Zealand's GOD SAVE NEW ZEALAND
beautifully sang by LIZZIE MARVELLY with the Corps of the Royal Engineers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9O2Dm5WV5U
(not yesterday's)

Then GOD SAVE THE QUEEN
sang by LAURA WRIGHT with the Corps of the Royal Engineers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ulwPbBTDt8
(also not yesterday's)

While William and Kate attended the Wales v Australia match at the Millennium Stadium (Cardiff) PRINCE HARRY attended this match, and sang his Grandmother's song proudly!



THEN CAME THE HAKA :-) :-) :-)

This incident I am not pleased about!
Apparently, the new tradition is to sing Swing Low Sweet Chariots as loudly as possible so as to DROWN OUT the Haka!

Now I don't know about the rest of you, but I ENJOY THE HAKA! I always laugh! AND I FEEL IT WAS DISRESPECTFUL!
It spoiled my enjoyment of this New Zealand Rugby Tradition!

Referee for this match..
WALES' VERY OWN NIGEL OWENS ( Our Nige to us Welsh) ;-) :-D
Arguably the best rugby union referee in the world..
... and a STAND-UP COMEDIAN TO BOOT!:-D :-D


Owen Farrell kicks off for England.

Just 3 minutes into the game JONNY MAY scores a spectacular TRY for England.
All Black Israel Dagg was left for dead! He just couldn't keep up with him as May raced over the Tryline!

Owen Farrell missed the Conversion however, going wide. It was a difficult angle, but he would have been disappointed at that!

SCORE: England 5 ~ New Zealand 0

England have a penalty at 7 minutes.
Farrell kicks to the corner brilliantly. England want to go for a try. They attack the Try line, but a desperate New Zealand side defend well. England are almost there but are held up.

England know that they need to be CLINICAL says the television Commentator.

Crowds are singing Sweet Chariots again as England fight on.

New Zealand Scrum and England concede a penalty. England's number 12, Kyle Eastmond, had his hands on the ground. In a scrum you must support yourself naturally or you will be penalised, as it spoils the rhythm of the game!

Nigel Owens tells him "HANDS OFF THE GROUND- SUPPORT YOURSELF PLEASE!"

New Zealand use the advantage to attack... and it's a TRY for AARON CRUDEN.
but wait ...There is an issue with the Try! Was it over the line?
No it's fine says Nige! He is in just the right position to see clearly!

Can Cruden convert his own Try? NO!
SCORE: ENGLAND 5 ~ NEW ZEALAND 5

England now get a penalty, as a New Zealander was "off his feet".
Owen Farrell does the honours, and it's a Penalty Goal 3 points to add to the English score

SCORE: ENGLAND 8 ~ NEW ZEALAND 5

More New Zealand Infringements now, culminating in another Penalty to England for New Zealand player "coming in at the side".
Again Farrell scores a PENALTY GOAL.

SCORE: ENGLAND 11 ~ NEW ZEALAND 5

Ref blows his whistle furiously to stop play, as England's COURTNEY LAWES has sustained a HEAD INJURY.
In the meantime the Linesman has raised his flag because he has spotted FOUL PLAY!
He has witnessed England 2, DYLAN HARTLEY, illegally involved in an "OFF THE BALL HIT" on a New Zealander.

First things first however.... Courtney Lawes has to have a CONCUSSION REPLACEMENT. He leaves the field with a HUGE BUMP on his temple.
GEORGE KRUIS replaces him.

Now back for the Penalty.
AARON CRUDEN adds 3 Penalty points to the New Zealand Score with a Penalty Goal.

SCORE: ENGLAND 11 ~ NEW ZEALAND 8

I'm laughing now, as I can hear OUR NIGE shouting "IWS THE BALL" continuously in his GWENDRAETH VALLEY ACCENT! :-D :-D
Of course to other people it means "Use the ball" ;-) :-D

There's next a clash of heads!
I think it was David Wilson and George Kruis. Kruis' teeth into the back of Wilson's head! Blood everywhere :-0 :-0

Courtney Lawes is sitting with an Ice-pack on his forehead! He has been assessed and Concussion has been ruled out, and so he will come back on!

Owen Farrell attempts a DROP GOAL but FAILS!

Now England's TOM WOOD is reprimanded for "Walking Around / In at the Side".
So now a penalty Goal by Cruden for New Zealnd bring the scores level.

SCORE: ENGLAND 11 ~ NEW ZEALAND 11

At this point of the game, both teams have conceded 6 penalties each.

England now kick off before The Ref was ready!
The TV Commentator says " There's no doubt who's boss when Nigel Owens is out there- BUT HE DOES IT WITH A SMILE" :-D :-D :-D

England now attack at the Tryline. Penalty to England for New Zealander's "Hands in the Ruck".
Nigel Owens is now praised for consistent refereeing!

England's Owen Farrell scores the penalty goal bringing the..
.. HALF TIME SCORE TO-

ENGLAND 14 ~ NEW ZEALAND 11

END OF FIRST HALF ...

...AND END OF FIRST HALF OF MY COMMENTARY ;-) :-D :-D

SEMESA ROKODUGUNI

History was made yesterday, when Bath Winger, Semesa Rokoduguni stepped out onto the pitch for England!

FIJIAN SEMESA QUALIFIED TO PLAY RUGBY UNION FOR ENGLAND...
.......because he is a SERVING MEMBER of the BRITISH ARMY

The 27 year-old, who is a lance-corporal in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, made his international debut just two years after joining Bath.

England's Head Coach, Stuart Lancaster, said that Semesa had earned the right to make his debut in the starting XV to face New Zealand at Twickenham yesterday, on the back of his impressive form for Bath this season.

At home on the South Pacific Island of Fiji, his proud parents, family and friends gathered around their television to watch him play.

Semesa left his small fishing village in Fiji, where he could not play for his local Rugby team BECAUSE HIS UNCLE WAS A BETTER WINGER :-D :-D

Semesa comes from a Military Background, his Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather all being soldiers.
His brother Rupeni Rokoduguni is with Black Watch, based in Inverness.

The New Zealand All Blacks have beaten England by just 3 points!

ENGLAND 21 ~ NEW ZEALAND 24


THE ENGLAND TEAM:
Backs:
15 Mike Brown (Harlequins)
14 Samesa Rokoduguni (Bath)
13 Brad Barritt (Saracens)
12 Kyle Eastmond (Bath)
11 Jonny May (Gloucester)
10 Owen Farrell (Saracens)
9 Danny Care (Harlequins)

Forwards:
1 Joe Marler (Harlequins)
2 Dylan Hartley (Northampton)
3 David Wilson (Bath)
4 Dave Attwood (Bath)
5 Courtney Lawes (Northampton)
6 Tom Wood (Northampton)
7 Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, capt)
8 Billy Vunipola (Saracens)

Replacements:
16- Rob Webber (Bath), 17- Matt Mullan (Wasps), 18- Kieran Brookes (Newcastle),
19- George Kruis (Saracens), 20- Ben Morgan (Gloucester), 21- Ben Youngs (Leicester),
22- George Ford (Bath), 23- Anthony Watson (Bath)


THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM:
Backs:
15 Israel Dagg
14 Ben Smith
13 Conrad Smith
12 Sonny Bill Williams
11 Julian Savea
10 Aaron Cruden
9 Aaron Smith

Forwards:
1 Wyatt Crockett
2 Dane Coles
3 Owen Franks
4 Brodie Retallick
5 Sam Whitelock
6 Jerome Kaino
7 Richie McCaw (c)
8 Kieran Read.

Replacements:
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Patrick Tuiipulotu, 20 Liam Messam, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Ryan Crotty.

THE POINTS:

ENGLAND:
Tries: 2
Jonny May; Penalty Awarded Try ................................10 points
Conversions:Owen Farrell (1)......................................... 2 points
Penalty Goals: Owen Farrell (3) .................................... 9 points

ENGLAND TOTAL POINTS- 21


NEW ZEALAND:
Tries: 3
Aaron Cruden; Richie McCaw; Charlie Faumuina .........15 points
Conversions: 0
Penalties Goals: 3
Aaron Cruden (2) Beauden Barrett .................................. 9 points

NEW ZEALAND TOTAL POINTS- 24

Match write up to follow :-)

AND HERE IT IS .....

ENGLAND V NEW ZEALAND ALL BLACKS


ENGLAND 21 ~ ALL BLACKS 24

:-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

:-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-(

;-)

:-P :-P :-P :-P @ ALLAN

YOU DID GOOD :-) :-)

BUT WE PUT UP A GOOD FIGHT ;-) :-D :-D :-D

W-A-L-E-S <3

Being an honorary Welshman Allan, you managed to win and lose THE SAME GAME
;-) :-D :-D

Don't forget that the Wales v Australian Wallabies match is ON THE OTHER THREAD!

http://www.genesreunited.co.uk/boards/board/general_chat/thread/1346181

If any of you enjoy Welsh singing etc.,and would like to see clips of Welsh Rugby Greats in action, check out the above thread. It was pre-match!

In a Basil Fawlty voice; "Don't mention the Wallabies!" ;-)


:-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

My lips are sealed Jem <3

I know I said I was going to avoid this thread, but when I saw Wends name I couldn't resist...

... I was squinting mind you!

Hiya Wend :-) <3

I AM going now before you tell me! :-D :-D :-D

What will you pay me to keep quiet Jem, ha ha! ;-) :-D