The Rugby Thread

[Liverpel]

I cannot believe Healey has won his appeal, disgraceful decision

It's not really a disgraceful decision. The disciplinary committee ****ed up by giving him a 3 week ban but then saying that it wouldn't commence until a week after the England match (technically a 4 week ban), thus ruling him out of the French match.

Leinster then considered playing him on the Saturday after the England match in the Rabo Direct League (the day before the ban was due to kick in) but the committee refused, as they claimed that he was under suspension.

They really shot themselves in the foot with this one.

[Neil Young]

It's not really a disgraceful decision. The disciplinary committee ****ed up by giving him a 3 week ban but then saying that it wouldn't commence until a week after the England match (technically a 4 week ban), thus ruling him out of the French match.

Leinster then considered playing him on the Saturday after the England match in the Rabo Direct League (the day before the ban was due to kick in) but the committee refused, as they claimed that he was under suspension.

They really shot themselves in the foot with this one.

This is exactly what happens when rugby officials are armed.

[Liverpel]

DECLAN Kidney has been sensationally dropped Ronan O'Gara from his 23-man squad for the visit of France to the Aviva Stadium next Saturday


It is the first time in his 128-cap and 13-year career that a fully-fit O'Gara will not have a place on the team or bench for his country.

O'Gara, who turns 36 on Thursday, had been suffering from a loss of form recently and failed to make an impact when introduced against Scotland but was back on form against the Ospreys last night.

Jonathan Sexton returns to the squad following his recovery from a hamstring injury and Paddy Jackson is preferred to O'Gara as his understudy.

Leinster's uncapped Ian Madigan is also included in the 32 man squad meaning that O'Gara is now fourth in the pecking order for Ireland.

The decision could prompt the end of O'Gara's glittering international career.

Ulster duo of Dan Tuohy and Andrew Trimble have been called up to the squad.

Injury concerns Jonathan Sexton, Mike McCarthy, Donnacha Ryan and Craig Gilroy have also been included.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ronan-ogara-dropped-from-irish-squad-for-france-29105888.html

[Neil Young]

Declan Kidney is a great name. It sounds like a medical condition.

[Cormack74]

Been looking forward to this today after the break last week but that first scrum looks a bit ominous for the jocks.

[RichC]

It could be a lng day for the Scots, I'd be surprised if Waes didn't win this by 10 or so

[RichC]

not a great half of rugby.

[Alex]

Ireland need to hold on. I had a nice £10 treble on Wales, Ireland and England this weekend.

[Alex]

**** sake!!!!

[Vermilion]

To win by 8 points is asking too much imo. While wales have re-grouped somewhat in this tournament, i don't see them being able to inflict that sort of win over England, their form hasn't been that good.

Edit: Unless, it turns out to be one of those games where one side gets it all right and the other doesn't, or the occasion gets to some of the players.

But no, i wouldn't bet on Wales winning the 6 nations from here.

[Chazza]

Come on England!!!!!!

[ChesterDave]

Italy lead after 20 minutes. France for the spoon!

[ChesterDave]

Yellow for Ireland. Another nasty stamp ala Healey

[ChesterDave]

15 to go 16-15 to Italy

[PTP]

Not a massive rugby fan, but after the football today I'm getting involved...

Come on England **** these cunts...rar rarr