Bath make a 'small' signing

[Bullitt]

AH! But on what scale would you have described Irelands shitness that week? Plus, don't forget Wilkinson had spent the last 4 weekends making a complete mockery of an English backline to the point that even Rob Andrew would have looked impressive had he come out of retirement.

Failing that, one swallow doesn't make a summer.

 

[mohamed_ali12]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teh Mite @ Jul 20 2009, 11:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

AH! But on what scale would you have described Irelands shitness that week? Plus, don't forget Wilkinson had spent the last 4 weekends making a complete mockery of an English backline to the point that even Rob Andrew would have looked impressive had he come out of retirement.

Failing that, one swallow doesn't make a summer.[/b]

umm...you've got me there to be honest. I was just up for an argument. Bear in mind i did say if he can do it more consistently.

I'd rather get back to the question of how many Northampton players were in the EPS compared to Bath anyway.

EDIT: It would seem i didn't realise that you'd already answered it...that somewhat takes the intended effect away.

 

[Bullitt]

Foden and Hartley. Plus umteen in the Saxons.

Then:

Ireland:
Downey
Best
Wilson

Scotland:
Murray
Ansbro


Anyway, we all know to play for England you need to play for <strike>RFURFC</strike> Bath, Wasps, Leicester or Newcastle. Or have been spit-roasted by Stuart Barnes and Dewi Morris. That's the only possible way Mears could have 'earned' selection.

 

[bristol-iain]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teh Mite @ Jul 21 2009, 12:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Foden and Hartley. Plus umteen in the Saxons.

Then:

Ireland:
Downey
Best
Wilson

Scotland:
Murray
Ansbro


Anyway, we all know to play for England you need to play for [s]RFURFC[/s] Bath, Wasps, Leicester or Newcastle. Or have been spit-roasted by Stuart Barnes and Dewi Morris. That's the only possible way Mears could have 'earned' selection.[/b]

:lol: :lol:

Yeah, yeah, relegation and all.

 

[mohamed_ali12]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teh Mite @ Jul 21 2009, 12:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Foden and Hartley. Plus umteen in the Saxons.

Then:

Ireland:
Downey
Best
Wilson

Scotland:
Murray
Ansbro


Anyway, we all know to play for England you need to play for <strike>RFURFC</strike> Bath, Wasps, Leicester or Newcastle. Or have been spit-roasted by Stuart Barnes and Dewi Morris. That's the only possible way Mears could have 'earned' selection.[/b]

I think Foden is in the Saxons. Plus Mears was probably picked for his impeccable line-out throwing and dynamism round the park which make up for his lack of size, as well as the fact that England don't want to resort to playing the thug that is Dylan Hartley at hooker. It's all a matter of opinion of course

 

[Bullitt]

Oh yeah, Mears is ace... *CoughasdemonstratedinthelionstestsCough*

 

[mohamed_ali12]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teh Mite @ Jul 21 2009, 12:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Oh yeah, Mears is ace... *CoughasdemonstratedinthelionstestsCough*[/b]

For the sake of keeping the debate rolling, Mears was clearly excellent and all the blame should be placed on the props and second rows for not pushing hard enough.

 

[Bullitt]

What aboutt the Dynamic play and solid lineout?

I'll let you in on a secret; 2 offloads and 2 carries per game, spending the rest of the time buggering it up in the midfield while ignoring the breakdowns and mauls, does not make a front rower either dynamic or special! Lee Mears & Stuart "BARF R ACE" Barnes, take note!

 

[mohamed_ali12]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teh Mite @ Jul 21 2009, 12:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

What aboutt the Dynamic play and solid lineout?

I'll let you in on a secret; 2 offloads and 2 carries per game, spending the rest of the time buggering it up in the midfield while ignoring the breakdowns and mauls, does not make a front rower either dynamic or special! Lee Mears & Stuart "BARF R ACE" Barnes, take note! [/b]

It's clear that there's no moving you. The important point is, that regardless of the RFU's bias, Lee Mears will be playing for England in 2011 and Dylan Hartley won't and as far as i'm concerned i declare myself the winner of the argument :bravo:

 

[Bullitt]

Sadly, considering the history of the RFU selection policy, you're probably right.

 

[Charles]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (C A Iversen @ Jul 21 2009, 12:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Fair enough for that reason. Still, you guys need to start playing young un-tested domestic flyhalfs over there like we do. Not starting them, but giving them the last 20mins of matches that they can handle, then expanding their role. This over-reliance on foreign players isn't the answer to your international team.[/b]

You guys need to have a comptitive league (relegation involved) and private owned teams to understand how it works here...

I agree with you It pains me to see the recruitment (esp in France) but that's how it goes when you have big money involved.

 

[C A Iversen]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Charles @ Jul 21 2009, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (C A Iversen @ Jul 21 2009, 12:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fair enough for that reason. Still, you guys need to start playing young un-tested domestic flyhalfs over there like we do. Not starting them, but giving them the last 20mins of matches that they can handle, then expanding their role. This over-reliance on foreign players isn't the answer to your international team.[/b]

You guys need to have a comptitive league (relegation involved) and private owned teams to understand how it works here...

I agree with you It pains me to see the recruitment (esp in France) but that's how it goes when you have big money involved.
[/b][/quote]

Roll your eyes condescendingly all you want. Yes, it complicates things, but thats no excuse for countries such as England and France to not have an awesome recruitment and development system. With the money thats obviously there, you guys can grow your own players from the smallest juniors on up. Theres nothing that better regulations and vision can't change.

But no go ahead, roll eyes as though I'm an idiot again. I find that to be stereotypical internet superiority behaviour, but won't do it back, as you do have some valid points, although I apparently don't.

 

[Charles]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (C A Iversen @ Jul 21 2009, 04:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Charles @ Jul 21 2009, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (C A Iversen @ Jul 21 2009, 12:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fair enough for that reason. Still, you guys need to start playing young un-tested domestic flyhalfs over there like we do. Not starting them, but giving them the last 20mins of matches that they can handle, then expanding their role. This over-reliance on foreign players isn't the answer to your international team.[/b]

You guys need to have a comptitive league (relegation involved) and private owned teams to understand how it works here...

I agree with you It pains me to see the recruitment (esp in France) but that's how it goes when you have big money involved.
[/b][/quote]

Roll your eyes condescendingly all you want. Yes, it complicates things, but thats no excuse for countries such as England and France to not have an awesome recruitment and development system. With the money thats obviously there, you guys can grow your own players from the smallest juniors on up. Theres nothing that better regulations and vision can't change.

But no go ahead, roll eyes as though I'm an idiot again. I find that to be stereotypical internet superiority behaviour, but won't do it back, as you do have some valid points, although I apparently don't.
[/b][/quote]

CA I'm sorry I upset you, there was no mean intent in my post :mellow: . Probably needed a smiley or two.

The thing is I agree with you that we should give the young players a go instead of buying old foreign players.
Unfortunately the club owners and coaches go for the secure option and who can blame them when you see the amount of money involved. Also you could argue that a good young player WILL get game time if he's really that good, and he'll be battle hardened having to compete against the very best from all over the world. You guys don't have this problem because:
the NZRFU is very strict on foreign imports
the NZRFU doesn't have the money to buy big foreign stars anyway
there is no relegation in the S14, hence no pressure about not finishing last/not performing


Edit: also, there is just not enough good english/french players to fill 12/14 teams and keep the same quality in the league.

 

[C A Iversen]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Charles @ Jul 21 2009, 02:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (C A Iversen @ Jul 21 2009, 04:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Charles @ Jul 21 2009, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (C A Iversen @ Jul 21 2009, 12:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fair enough for that reason. Still, you guys need to start playing young un-tested domestic flyhalfs over there like we do. Not starting them, but giving them the last 20mins of matches that they can handle, then expanding their role. This over-reliance on foreign players isn't the answer to your international team.[/b]

You guys need to have a comptitive league (relegation involved) and private owned teams to understand how it works here...

I agree with you It pains me to see the recruitment (esp in France) but that's how it goes when you have big money involved.
[/b][/quote]

Roll your eyes condescendingly all you want. Yes, it complicates things, but thats no excuse for countries such as England and France to not have an awesome recruitment and development system. With the money thats obviously there, you guys can grow your own players from the smallest juniors on up. Theres nothing that better regulations and vision can't change.

But no go ahead, roll eyes as though I'm an idiot again. I find that to be stereotypical internet superiority behaviour, but won't do it back, as you do have some valid points, although I apparently don't.
[/b][/quote]

CA I'm sorry I upset you, there was no mean intent in my post :mellow: . Probably needed a smiley or two.

The thing is I agree with you that we should give the young players a go instead of buying old foreign players.
Unfortunately the club owners and coaches go for the secure option and who can blame them when you see the amount of money involved. Also you could argue that a good young player WILL get game time if he's really that good, and he'll be battle hardened having to compete against the very best from all over the world. You guys don't have this problem because:
the NZRFU is very strict on foreign imports
the NZRFU doesn't have the money to buy big foreign stars anyway
there is no relegation in the S14, hence no pressure about not finishing last/not performing


Edit: also, there is just not enough good english/french players to fill 12/14 teams and keep the same quality in the league.
[/b][/quote]

Well yeah it annoyed me a little, but I know your not a bad guy Charles. The Super 14 is more similar to the Heineken Cup than the Guiness Premiership. Thats more like our Air New Zealand Cup. In that we generally have promotion and relegation. We also bring through our local club players in that domestic competition. If New Zealand was a much wealthier nation, we'd still have similar rules, we simply don't want the option of buying overseas players.

It'd be like a nice cheeseburger, filling in the short term, but no good for the heart later on. We'd slowly stifle the growth of players coming through like a gradually clogging artery. The passage to the All Blacks would become like a blockage for our young talent and then gradually a heart attack would happen. Simply put, I don't think we'd stay the number one nation this way.

it hasn't helped England in cricket or soccer either, having players from all over the world clogging up the system. Regulation is needed to ensure all of these clubs have a powerful development plan.

The Jonny Wilkinson's, Serge Blanco's and others are still there at the younger level, but somethings going wrong.

 

[Charles]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (InsaneAsylum @ Jul 21 2009, 05:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

i'd like to bring up the al baxter thing again. smartcooky has explained the technicalities behind the decision made by joubert. I do find it difficult to figure out why joubert picked last saturday to start enforcing this rule. al baxter has played 66 test and it's definetly not the first test he's played that has been adjudicated by joubert. if you guys claims that baxter has been doing it for a long long time, and he's finally been bought to justice, then why wasn't he bought to justice a long long time ago?[/b]

The same reason that the french scrum although being clearly superior to the Aussie one kept being penalised during the last game they played. Some refs have no idea, and the Aussie front row is the master of cheating unnoticed in the scrums.