'Lions are bigger than the All Blacks'

[Tony Manx]

I think that you have to understand more about the traditions and history of the British Isles in general, and the Lions in particular, before you yet again get involved in an argument that you have not been brought up, or are willing, to really understand!

There are many aspects of French life and history that I come across that I can say I know about but that I cannot understand but I accept that, to the French, they are very important and respect it for that!

So with the Lions and British Isles rugby.......an anachronism but a four yearly adventure that is the dream of participants both in the British Isles, amongst the 20 something thousand supporters that travel AND in the players and supporterrs in the Countries that they go to play.

Little example of France, which is as much relevant as your basket ball one.....recently went to change the Certificate D'Immatriculation of the car solely due to a change of residential address to find that they change the registration number (needing two new plates!). As it happens they would not accept the change without evidence of my wife's maiden name....what the heck is that all about as she has had, and we produced, a passport, acceptable all over the world as evidence of her identity, in her married name for many, many years but that is the rules and you just have to accept them when in France!!

Really do suggest you leave this one alone as no one will be able to convince you of the importance and joy that the Lions tours brings to many, many people who do understand and welcome its continuance.........

 

[ratsapprentice]

Entirely aware of that. That was about a couple hrs ago and...I actually do still stand by that, what do you know ?! It's an English thing. Britain itself is an English thing. The Welsh or Irish or Scots didn't one day go "Hey ! Let's form a Rugby alliance with the old enemy !!". It's an English thing...to make amends implicitly, w/o actually saying it, to get close to the Celts and make nice...it's a political thing, a strategy....and to be more competitive, I think they realized pretty fast this could only be good for British Rugby as a whole, and England included.

I'm not calling the Lions an aberration, I just don't like all the underlying suggestions their concept make, or at least speak to me. Surely someone must find some common sense in my previous posts.

Quick anecdote:
Look, I once played a guy at my club some years ago and beat the crap outta him at basketball. Next week, he came with two 6'5 guys from semi-pro clubs here in Qatar to challenge me and two friends. We lost, narrowly. At the end of the game, he came up in my face and actually bragged and taunted me. It was so pathetic I merely looked back with a straight face, took my **** and left to the locker room.

Crappy example, but it's the closest I can find in me right now. The Lions are aligned with this in my mind, in concept but not THAT perfidious.

And whether there's history betw. the 4 nations or they're completely random for different continents doesn't make a difference rugby wise, they're still 4 nations from the World top10 (Scotland just recently this decade slipping off that rank). That's all I'm saying. And then, when they do win, they're all cheers and laughs. It's a bit cheap for me, it's too easy !
I'm like "well uhh....yeah guys, of course you won you're like the All-Star team from 4 of the 6N !! :lol:"

Of course, there's always the challenge that they can play well together, mesh up well...I understand that. But it's still a bit of a mismatch all the time. Except the AB at times. But even they are just a team made up of two tiny little islands in the Pacific, I'm not using the demographics argument, I'm just saying: the notion of NZ facing the very best of 4 separate, powerful rugby nations. Hand picked for each position, AND a bench made up of int'l starters...

makes sense, doesn't it ?!
now please excuse me, I've got to go play darts on my board where I've attached a picture of Owen Farrell making his penalty-kicking face because I'm such an English-hating-complex satan-worshipping little dwarf...:lol2tn:

You say that you have a complex sarcastically, but your posts continually show that you actually do.
All roads lead to England being dicks in your mind.

As Tony has suggested, I don't think you in any way understand the relationship the Lion's constituent countries have with each other.
Your statement about any 4 random teams being as legitimate is ridiculous, and further highlights your lack of understanding of the UK and Ireland.

You also seem to be suggesting that because England (as you put it) "gang up" on those poor SANZAR teams, it shows their arrogance or that they are sore losers...
When surely, if anything, the very fact that we (GB&I) all play as one team, shows humility and that we readily accept that we are not strong enough on our own to consistently beat those teams.

 

[Big Ewis]

^ well Tony, your example is funny in that you imply that a rule is a rule, or that a fact is indisputably acceptable...I find lots of unwritten rules in etiquette completely stupid and understand where they came from, but think they should disappear. Burping at the table is inexcusable, but in France putting your elbows on the table is impolite - it's not absurd, but we could do without it.
You speak as if to say "it's stupid in every possible way, but I just accept it with a smile" :lol:

And oh yes, I've absolutely a lot to learn about the Lions culture, obviously...I'm just pointing out that one specific aspect of it, that to me, it's this indirect way to get back at big nations and beat them, because winning is the end, no matter the means.

I don't like this "Lions bigger than All-Blacks", reminds me of the Beatles saying they were "bigger than Jesus right now", just smt for the press to gobble up and be happy with, smt to talk about...like even if they were, what the hell is the point in mentioning. Stay humble, work hard, and hope to beat the Ozzies at least twice...

And

ratsapprentice , this is just for you:
* I love the English bands from the 60's/70's and the 80's/90's, the Beatles, King Crimson, Killing Joke, Depeche Mode or Godflesh just to name some are brilliant. Just for that, I'm very grateful England exists.
​

* England IS the best nation at rugby in the Northern Hemisphere.
* England has a fantastic work ethic, is consistent, and has almost always managed a strong economy. I respect that a lot.
* England, unlike France, has a true sense of protecting their homeland. We will sink in a swarm of dirty immigrants and disappear before you, for you are the stronger species ultimately, comes down to this.
* England (with the US) is responsible for the invention and development of weird fiction. I'm a huge fan of Lovecraft, Clive Barker...
* last but not least...I'm a huge The Sun Page 3 fan and I think you've got some of the best fkn boobs available in the galaxy

 

[Groundhog]

The Lions and what it represents means a lot for me, and I look forward to the Lions above any other rugby event, even the World Cup. It's great to see guys who kick the living **** out of each other on an annual basis come together. There is pride in seeing Munster and Irish players get picked for the Lions. Obviously it's not quite the same if you are from new Zealand but for me its huge, and I do think representing the Lions is a step above representing your country. Typically if you're on the Lions you're good enough for your international side. The Lions only comes around once or twice in a lot of guys careers.

 

[psychic duck]

* England IS the best nation at rugby in the Northern Hemisphere.

 

[UlsterRugby2012]

I'm fairly sure UlsterRugby was taking the ****.

This.

 

[donmcdazzle]

I think in a way the Lions are bigger than the ABs. The once every few year thing plays a huge part in it. A lions tour is such a huge event (for players and for fans) due to the scarcity. Even more so for us Southern Hemisphere countries as we only get them once every decade in each country. The World Cup in NZ was amazing, but the Lions tour was close to it in terms of atmosphere and everything. No other team can create that sort of interest in a tour.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I think in a way the Lions are bigger than the ABs. The once every few year thing plays a huge part in it. A lions tour is such a huge event (for players and for fans) due to the scarcity. Even more so for us Southern Hemisphere countries as we only get them once every decade in each country. The World Cup in NZ was amazing, but the Lions tour was close to it in terms of atmosphere and everything. No other team can create that sort of interest in a tour.

Definitely.

If the Lions played every year then no one would care, but in a Tour year they are by far more prestigious the All Blacks.

 

[psychic duck]

The Lions aren't comparable to the All Blacks in this context.

The All Blacks play like 15 odd matches a year often 3 or 4 of which are against Australia and most nations at least once every 2 years, the Lions play once every 4 years. Of course the Lions are going to be more special, just see how quickly the tickets that many thought were ridiculously expensive got sold out.

It's like comparing a World Cup to any old international match. Of course the World Cup matches will be bigger and memorable because the RWC only happens every 4 years. Same with the Lions.

 

[smartcooky]

not even a kiwi, but lemme start this off by stating the obvious:
A - no they're not.
B - if they were, then wtvr what d'you expect it's a multi-premier-rugby-nations side. Imagine how gigantic NZ+AUS+SA would be :lol:

This is just silly provocation...goes right back to England not swallowing that they've never been/will never be as good as the top 3 Sanzar sides and their best bet is racking up the best surrounding Celts; which they try to destroy in each int'l meeting, and make nice a bit for once; to have a chance.
Like, they had to go out their way and phrase it like that "bigger than the All-blacks"...it's very silly tbh, and a bit pitiful. Stand your ground, be humble, play your "cheating" game of 4 nations in one side (I'm sorry but this is exactly how it looks to me) and come back home happy after beating (or maybe not even) some strong SH side...WITH 4 COUNTRIES' BEST IN ONE :lol:

But wtvr, good luck Aussies this is one hell of a squad comin your way obviously...
And yes, 'Sir Ian McGeechan', sure, the Lions are bigger than the AB, wtvr makes you hard...

EDIT:
oh and this passage:
Quote-: "For the players the Lions is the biggest jersey they can wear," McGeechan said. -End QuoteI hope a majority of the ppl, fans and players, disagree with that. If I'm English, playing for my country is by far the most honorable, noble cause there is. Winning the RWC and/or Grand Slams and 6N cups is first, then the Lions just for tradition and recognition, then my club.

Why would any kiwi want to comment after such an erudite refutation of Sir Ian's poorly chosen comments?

Yoe91, I tip my hat to you!!

 

[LittleGuy]

The Lions aren't comparable to the All Blacks in this context.

The All Blacks play like 15 odd matches a year often 3 or 4 of which are against Australia and most nations at least once every 2 years, the Lions play once every 4 years. Of course the Lions are going to be more special, just see how quickly the tickets that many thought were ridiculously expensive got sold out.

It's like comparing a World Cup to any old international match. Of course the World Cup matches will be bigger and memorable because the RWC only happens every 4 years. Same with the Lions.

This.....

 

[sifplay]

I can only describe this media affectation with the All Blacks as curious; it is rather like the mainstream attitude to Brazil whenever the football World Cup comes around: it's all samba beat nonsense with a complete glossing over of their awful diving, ref-baiting and playacting.

 

[smartcooky]

I can only describe this media affectation with the All Blacks as curious; it is rather like the mainstream attitude to Brazil whenever the football World Cup comes around: it's all samba beat nonsense with a complete glossing over of their awful diving, ref-baiting and playacting.

Hey!! We don't go round beating sambas in this country!!

 

[nickdnz]

A bit of a stupid point to start off with. As others have mentioned, of course they are a bigger draw. They play every four years. It's an event. It's about the only time a lot of British people take a massive interest in international rugby. Seems like just stirring - which is odd considering they're not even playing the All Blacks (which is pretty luck for them).

I can only describe this media affectation with the All Blacks as curious; it is rather like the mainstream attitude to Brazil whenever the football World Cup comes around: it's all samba beat nonsense with a complete glossing over of their awful diving, ref-baiting and playacting.

And what's the All Black equivelent?

Don't be jelous people love us. We're pretty damn lovable. Pitty SARU can't stop other countries supporting us like they do their own

 

[sifplay]

Hey!! We don't go round beating sambas in this country!!

haha I can imagine some kiwi woman 300 pounders in their bikini's Samba down the streets of Auckland in **** cold conditions

A bit of a stupid point to start off with. As others have mentioned, of course they are a bigger draw. They play every four years. It's an event. It's about the only time a lot of British people take a massive interest in international rugby. Seems like just stirring - which is odd considering they're not even playing the All Blacks (which is pretty luck for them).

People just don't get it. The All Blacks represent everyone in rugby in the sense of selling rugby to the world and getting the americans involve. That is why they are always under pressure to perform and play the way they do. Same as Australia playing the way they do. Except Australia need to sell rugby in Australia where NZ to the world for the IRB.

 

[nickdnz]

haha I can imagine some kiwi woman 300 pounders in their bikini's Samba down the streets of Auckland in **** cold conditions

Hey, NZ has some good looking ladies..


Though my girlfriend is South African :lol:

 

[sifplay]

A bit of a stupid point to start off with. As others have mentioned, of course they are a bigger draw. They play every four years. It's an event. It's about the only time a lot of British people take a massive interest in international rugby. Seems like just stirring - which is odd considering they're not even playing the All Blacks (which is pretty luck for them).

Am I the mainstream media? No


And what's the All Black equivelent?

Don't be jelous people love us. We're pretty damn lovable. Pitty SARU can't stop other countries supporting us like they do their own

South African have huge respect for NZ and there is a long history between us. We will never be jelous of NZ.

 

[nickdnz]

:lol: She'd be mad as hell if you implied she was a bulls fan.

On a different note - has any South African heard of a player in the 80's called Craig Culpan? Think he was a centre for the Lions (I don't mean the Canadian player btw).

 

[smartcooky]

i'm going send you the bill for my new keyboard. I just spluttered my coffee over the old one!!!

 

[sifplay]

:lol: She'd be mad as hell if you implied she was a bulls fan.

On a different note - has any South African heard of a player in the 80's called Craig Culpan? Think he was a centre for the Lions (I don't mean the Canadian player btw).

Nah. But talking about Canada. British Columbia beat the Lions 8 -3 in 1966