Rugby Union 2009

[Dodge]

My point was that it shows that many Irish people will always go for the more glamourous/ successful option rather than support their local side, whatever the sport be that football or rugby. The Lunsters are just another example of glory hunters who'll come up with any old horse crap to justify going with the "better" option.

hardly an irish phenomenon though, is it?

[Macy]

hardly an irish phenomenon though, is it?
That it seems to be able to cross sporting boundaries, I'd say it is. It's certainly much more prevalent here imo, and the general acceptance of it certainly is. If you use examples in England, the bandwagonners are held in disdain, here using the Munster example it's something to be proud of.

[gspain]

That it seems to be able to cross sporting boundaries, I'd say it is. It's certainly much more prevalent here imo, and the general acceptance of it certainly is. If you use examples in England, the bandwagonners are held in disdain, here using the Munster example it's something to be proud of.

Man Utd draw huge support from all over England. Juventus draw huge support from all over Italy. Both would probably be at best equally supported with City and Torino in their own cities. It appears to be generally accepted in the UK and Italy too.

At least our rugby fans are supporting Irish teams as opposed to Wasps or Leicester.

[Macy]

Man Utd draw huge support from all over England. Juventus draw huge support from all over Italy. Both would probably be at best equally supported with City and Torino in their own cities. It appears to be generally accepted in the UK and Italy too.
Yeah, and what do you think United fans think of bandwagonners? No idea of Juve, but that's not true about city being equally supported in Manchester either.


At least our rugby fans are supporting Irish teams as opposed to Wasps or Leicester
If they're not following their local team for bogus reasons, it's not that different.

[Dodge]

That it seems to be able to cross sporting boundaries, I'd say it is. It's certainly much more prevalent here imo, and the general acceptance of it certainly is. If you use examples in England, the bandwagonners are held in disdain, here using the Munster example it's something to be proud of.

I'd agree with all of that

[endabob1]

Everybody outside the UK, basically the 3 southern hemisphere countries looks on the Lions as a British team.


Really, because I live in Cape Town and John Robbie (ex Ireland Scrum Half) is one of the main commentators here and he like all the rest of the Supersport commentators refer to the side as the "British and Irish Lions", all the adverts for the tour are for the "British and Irish Lions" the tickets state the games are for whomever V's "British and Irish Lions"
The UK media & Sky in particular seem to have a geography issue when it comes to who is British and who is not (they constantly refer to Northern Ireland as being British which it is not) but outside of them the rest of the world from my experience calls the team "The British and Irish Lions"

[tetsujin1979]

That it seems to be able to cross sporting boundaries, I'd say it is. It's certainly much more prevalent here imo, and the general acceptance of it certainly is. If you use examples in England, the bandwagonners are held in disdain, here using the Munster example it's something to be proud of.

read munsterfans.com, very little support for bandwagoners

[Dodge]

Really, because I live in Cape Town and John Robbie (ex Ireland Scrum Half) is one of the main commentators here and he like all the rest of the Supersport commentators refer to the side as the "British and Irish Lions", all the adverts for the tour are for the "British and Irish Lions" the tickets state the games are for whomever V's "British and Irish Lions"
The UK media & Sky in particular seem to have a geography issue when it comes to who is British and who is not (they constantly refer to Northern Ireland as being British which it is not) but outside of them the rest of the world from my experience calls the team "The British and Irish Lions"

Friend of mine was in Australia during the last tour there. He said that pretty much all the promotion there just called them "The Lions" and rarely mentioned Britain or Ireland.

[Shilts]

Shilts, this is a rugby thread where we have happily been discussing rugby related issues. I'm pretty sure all of us who contribute to it would like it kept that way. If you want to talk politics, open a thread about it in off-topic would you?

No offence meant, but can you please stick to the game and not the political history? Thanks.

I tried to open a separate thread joesoap HAHA. But some all powerful being called Pete closed it down because he said it should be in here. Can't win sometimes!

[Bald Student]

read munsterfans.com, very little support for bandwagoners
Is there much support for Niall Ronan?

[tetsujin1979]

Is there much support for Niall Ronan?
See for yourself:
http://www.munsterfans.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=16159
http://www.munsterfans.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=19052

[tetsujin1979]

Was at the AIL final in Thomond yesterday, great game.
Shannon were awarded the win, and the league, in bizarre circumstances. At full time, the sides were level 19-19, and after the teams went back into the dressing rooms, it was announced over the tannoy that there would be two 10-minute halves of extra time played. Should the scores still be level, total tries scored would determine the winner. If that still did not separate the two teams, then the first team to score a try would be deemed winners, and champions. Queue 20 minutes of outstanding defensive rugby from Shannon, despite being outclassed by Clontarf, and winning by virtue of scoring the first try, almost two hours earlier. An awful way to end any game, but to lose a title that way is almost unimaginable. Can't understand why they didn't use the same penalty kicks as the Heineken Cup semi final last weekend to determine the winner.

[joeSoap]

Was at the AIL final in Thomond yesterday, great game.
Shannon were awarded the win, and the league, in bizarre circumstances. At full time, the sides were level 19-19, and after the teams went back into the dressing rooms, it was announced over the tannoy that there would be two 10-minute halves of extra time played. Should the scores still be level, total tries scored would determine the winner. If that still did not separate the two teams, then the first team to score a try would be deemed winners, and champions. Queue 20 minutes of outstanding defensive rugby from Shannon, despite being outclassed by Clontarf, and winning by virtue of scoring the first try, almost two hours earlier. An awful way to end any game, but to lose a title that way is almost unimaginable. Can't understand why they didn't use the same penalty kicks as the Heineken Cup semi final last weekend to determine the winner.

It is in the clubs handbook and has been for the past few years. Both sides were aware of the situation before the game, and while I agree with you that it sucks to lose a game in that fashion, it should encourage sides to attack from the word go in case the unlikely scenario that came up yesterday should arise.

Clontarf were the better side, but couldn't put away the opposition despite numerous opportunities. Their sub winger knocked on over the line, and they had about 65% of the ball. A great day, yet another one, for Shannon RFC. I cant agree that Shannon played defensive rugby for the 20 minutes of extra time. They were finishing the second period on the attack, and a crazy attempt at a drop goal by Tadhg Bennett which was charged down and returned the length of the pitch for the knock on over the line by the Clontarf winger nearly cost them the game.

I was a little surprised at Stephen Kelly the Shannon winger who asked to be substituted at half time in extra time so he could go and play a gaelic football match with Newcastlewest. If he's not totally committed to playing in an All Ireland league final, then perhaps the club should look elsewhere for players who would be proud to wear the Shannon shirt.

[tetsujin1979]

You sure? One of the Shannon players was interviewed after the game, and said some of the team weren't sure if they had won or not after extra time.

Have to give props to the Clontarf support as well, outsung the locals by a distance. Didn't agree with the political signs they brought to the game though.

[joeSoap]

The ref is obliged to inform both coaches before the game of all possible outcomes. A world class ref such as Rolland who has reffed a World Cup final would have done this, I am pretty sure.

Clontarf had great support, I agree. What a miserable trip home fro them, losing in such a fashion.;)

[NeilMcD]

You sure? One of the Shannon players was interviewed after the game, and said some of the team weren't sure if they had won or not after extra time.

Have to give props to the Clontarf support as well, outsung the locals by a distance. Didn't agree with the political signs they brought to the game though.

What were the signs.

[tetsujin1979]

What were the signs.
election posters for some guy running in Clontarf, can't remember his name, or political party

I wasn't too impressed with Sean Kelly parking his car with campaign messages on it outside Jury's before Heineken Cup Semi Final either

[jbyrne]

The ref is obliged to inform both coaches before the game of all possible outcomes. A world class ref such as Rolland who has reffed a World Cup final would have done this, I am pretty sure.


he definately told them during the extra time as it could be heard coming accross on tv

[joeSoap]

he definately told them during the extra time as it could be heard coming accross on tvI imagie he would have told them before the game-he would have been obliged to. It would be pretty pointless telling them at the start of extra-time that the first try scored during normal time was going to win in the event of a draw...that would be like closing the gate after the dog got out...pointless.

[joeSoap]

Delighted in particular for Dowling and Ronan.

see here (http://www.irishrugby.ie/283_17296.php)

[Youths4Ever]

Glad to see a lot of new players are getting caps and experience.

I wonder does Ross inclusion have anything to do with fact he is moving to Leinster in the summer

[Bald Student]

I wonder does Ross inclusion have anything to do with fact he is moving to Leinster in the summerHe was in the 6 nations squad and tight heads are thin on the ground so probably not.

[Dodge]

Start of a new Leinster bandwagon? Seems to have all the right conditions for it

Great display by the pack today. Ever since martin Johnson ruled the roost I've had a fear of tht Leicester pack and I remember a quarter final in Lansdowne a few years ago when they destroyed Leinster

Nice for the ol' boys like Horgan and O'Kelly

[OneRedArmy]

Well done to Leinster winning it on their first trip to the final.

As always, its the pack that wins trophies.

Unbelievable achievement that 3 Irish provinces have won the trophy.

[brianw82]

Stadium for the international game is pretty small, like a club game. Should suit the new boys, not too over-awing. Pack is huge!

[brianw82]

The anthem - wtf!?

[WexCar]

The anthem - wtf!?

yeah funny stuff.
mustn't have been told you don't sing the whole song.

[OneRedArmy]

It's designer sunglasses aplenty in the queue for the RDS.

Heard earlier the "goys" had the cup in Kiely's last night...old habits die hard! :)

[Youths4Ever]

It's designer sunglasses aplenty in the queue for the RDS.

Heard earlier the "goys" had the cup in Kiely's last night...old habits die hard! :)


Only player who was in Keily's was Jackman but he did bring a special friend the Heineken Cup :D

[Monkfish]

How many turned out at the RDS yesterday?

[pete]

How many turned out at the RDS yesterday?

RTE News said 8,000.

[Schumi]

Not bad considering that very few would have been home from Edinburgh by then.

[OneRedArmy]

I'd say 4-5,000 max.

They opened the gates at 2 and then told people the team wouldn't be there until 4, so quite a few people with young kids wandered off.

[Bald Student]

Heard earlier the "goys" had the cup in Kiely's last night...old habits die hard! :)There's nothing wrong with that. Apart from the lions and some internationals, their season's over and they've earned the right to celebrate.

[shakermaker1982]

Congratulations to Leinster.

Rocky is a monster. World class again. It's a pity he's not Irish.

[Dodge]

There's nothing wrong with that. Apart from the lions and some internationals, their season's over and they've earned the right to celebrate.

And its way beter than the rest of them that went to Krystle.

[Bald Student]

And its way better than the rest of them that went to Krystle.
There's nothing wrong with that either. They've 2 months 'til their next game, a late night won't do them any harm.

[Dodge]

There's nothing wrong with that either. They've 2 months 'til their next game, a late night won't do them any harm.

Absolutely. I was pointing out that if it was me I'd prefer a few pints in Kielys over a night in Krystle. Far too much effort for me ;)

I'd actually think there was something wrong with them if they didn't want to celebrate

[OneRedArmy]

There's nothing wrong with that. Apart from the lions and some internationals, their season's over and they've earned the right to celebrate.


And its way beter than the rest of them that went to Krystle.


Absolutely. I was pointing out that if it was me I'd prefer a few pints in Kielys over a night in Krystle. Far too much effort for me ;)

I'd actually think there was something wrong with them if they didn't want to celebrateMy point was more along the lines of Dodge's, nothing to do with the fact they celebrated, more the locations chosen were reflective of the usual Leinster flash harry stereotypes.

They deserve every pint!

[Aberdonian Stu]

What the hell is wrong with them going to their local?

[Bald Student]

What the hell is wrong with them going to their local?

And since when was Kiely's flash?

[Dodge]

First Lions XV selected

Lions v Royal XV

15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
13. Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
11. Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales)
10. Ronan O’Gara (Munster/Ireland)
9. Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland)
8. Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
7. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
6. Joe Worsley (London Wasps/England)
5. Paul O’Connell (Munster/Ireland) captain
4. Simon Shaw (London Wasps/England)
3. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
2. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
1. Andrew Sheridan (Sales Sharks/England)

Replacements
16. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
17. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
18. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
19. Stephen Ferris (Ulster/Ireland)
20. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)
21. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
22. Riki Flutey (London Wasps/England)

[pete]

Looks like a string side. Can't be too far away from starting test side.

[Jofspring]

Due to injury (nothing major) Wallace is starting instead of Powell and Heaslip replaces Ferris on the bench.

Can't wait for this match. Lions to win by a minimum 20 points.

[brianw82]

Am I the only one who doesn't give a fiddler's fart about the Lions?

[OwlsFan]

Am I the only one who doesn't give a fiddler's fart about the Lions?

Why is that?

I enjoy the tours to see how the nationalities mix. They were almost beaten yesterday and will need to step up the performance big time if they are to make any impact.

I wonder will the day come when it becomes a Home Championship team to include the French.

[OneRedArmy]

What the hell is wrong with them going to their local?


And since when was Kiely's flash?Do you read Ross O'Carroll Kelly? Kiely's is the epicentre of collar up, roysh lads, D4-ism.

I don't say that as a negative, only as a statement of fact.

So, I made a pithy comment in relation to the supposed new all-inclusiveness of Leinster rugby.

Soft skins?

[Longfordian]

Only as regards its location, being across the road from Donnybrook Stadium, Leinster's traditional home. As a pub, it's not that flash a place.

[OneRedArmy]

Only as regards its location, being across the road from Donnybrook Stadium, Leinster's traditional home. As a pub, it's not that flash a place.I know, I live round the corner!

The rest of the squad did go to Krystal though. Thats fairly flash :D

[brianw82]

Why is that?

I enjoy the tours to see how the nationalities mix. They were almost beaten yesterday and will need to step up the performance big time if they are to make any impact.

I wonder will the day come when it becomes a Home Championship team to include the French.

It just seems to be a typical Sky Sports, hype-driven affair. Are the N. Hemisphere teams so weak in the modern age that they have to pool their resources to beat one of the S.Hemisphere teams? No, there have been several examples in recent years of Northern teams beating Southern ones, although the Southerners still hold a general advantage. It's perpetuating a stereotype that our teams can't compete on their own, even though they've clearly proved they can.

Also, it's been a long rugby season. The SA teams play ferociously - why would the likes of O'Driscoll and O'Connell travel all this way to get battered for 6 weeks after winning Magners Leagues, Heineken Cups and Six Nations titles, and having busted their guts to do so? Doesn't make any sense to me.

Finally, to be extremely cynical, it just seems an excuse for Irish people to wear a British jersey and not feel at all bad about it, because they've stuck "and Irish" in the middle of "British Lions" And yes, I do know that Irish players have always played in the Lions, that's not the point. The point is that in this endeavour, everyone involved with rugby is happy to be British in all but name.