Volconvo is a debate forum for the discussion of political, religious, and news-based topics.

**Matt W** · Dec 10, 2006, 05:31 am

I just thought I'd create a little haven for the sport the rest of the world plays....so if anyone wants to talk about Premiership football, Rugby, Cricket, La Liga, Formula 1, hell, even Horse Racing....let's chat!

Predictably, I'll open with rugby-related news....been looking over the Heinekin Cup results, and it's looking interesting....some of the usual suspects are looking clear (certainly Biarritz, and Llanelli Scarlets), but otherwise, it's anyone's game. A good season of European rugby.....should be a lot of fun watching the 6 Nations.

Compugasm · Dec 10, 2006, 06:59 am

6 Nations, how many teams are there?

**Matt W** · Dec 10, 2006, 08:21 am

6, funnily enough. England, France, Scotland, Wales, Ireland & Italy.

Kuroko · Dec 10, 2006, 01:02 pm

Be gratefull Australia doesn't take over some small country in europe simply to win that title as well

But also, a sport particullar to Australia would be Australian Rules Football or AFL. I'm a little over it but people from the USA are fascinated by it about ten minutes.

**Matt W** · Dec 10, 2006, 01:15 pm

What, the Aussies who got beaten by the Irish, drew with Wales & struggled to win over Italy?

Kuroko · Dec 10, 2006, 01:22 pm

One and the same, ever enjoying a challange we are!

Thats a 1-1-1 markup right there, how is that so bad

Compugasm · Dec 11, 2006, 02:39 am

Quote:

Quote by: Matt W

6, funnily enough. England, France, Scotland, Wales, Ireland & Italy.

One each? Jesus, I think California has that many alone.

pubmanager · Dec 11, 2006, 08:19 am

California has 6 National rugby teams ... brilliant!

pubmanager · Dec 11, 2006, 08:25 am

Matt, (or any other fellow egg chasers)

Who's your tip for the England job?

Bit of a poison chalice before world cup. I think we could do with a caretaker, write off the 6 nations and world cup defense as an excercise in youth developement and then give the job to Dean Richards post world cup (defeat).

**Matt W** · Dec 11, 2006, 03:00 pm

*shrugs* Give it to Ashton, for the moment. Proven experience (having managed Ireland), if you stick him in charge you provide someone who has an overall view of where he wants the team to go, and, more to the point, it's a bit of stability for the team.

Think we could do with a new forwards coach, though...England are looking pathetic in that department at the moment. No fire in them.

pubmanager · Dec 12, 2006, 04:37 am

Ashton was a great addition to the coaching staff, very astute rugby brain, I think if he gets hold of the players he wants in the 3/4's and has some time to spend with them, we may see a return to an England team capable of breaking a line! (let's hope)

Ironically, Robinson was a fantastic forwards coach, the RFU made him a manager which he never was!

Think I'd have to agree with you though, give Ashton overall responsibility for the time being. My only concern with that would be wether he'll be able to slip back into an assistants role once somebody else is appointed. What are your thoughts?

Compugasm · Dec 12, 2006, 07:32 pm

I thought Wales was in England.

**Chris** · Dec 12, 2006, 07:51 pm

Wales= different country in the UK (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

As is Scotland and N. Ireland

**Matt W** · Dec 16, 2006, 07:04 am

Quote:

Quote by: pubmanager

Ashton was a great addition to the coaching staff, very astute rugby brain, I think if he gets hold of the players he wants in the 3/4's and has some time to spend with them, we may see a return to an England team capable of breaking a line! (let's hope)

Ironically, Robinson was a fantastic forwards coach, the RFU made him a manager which he never was!

Think I'd have to agree with you though, give Ashton overall responsibility for the time being. My only concern with that would be wether he'll be able to slip back into an assistants role once somebody else is appointed. What are your thoughts?

It's a toughie. I'd want to let him run with it for at least a year, possibly two, maybe even through 'til the next World Cup. Give him the time that Woodward had.

InTheFlesh? · Dec 16, 2006, 08:00 am

Who do you think will win the world cup next year?

Obvious choice would be New Zealand, but i reckon ireland will get luck (ho ho) and have a good chance to get to the final.

Italy are looking stronger, they have a good chance at doing alright in the 6 nations next year!

England are going to take years to return to form, if they do.

Kuroko · Dec 19, 2006, 02:49 am

And the ashes cup returns to aussie land for the cricket

The odds of Aussie land getting the white wash (five out of five tests) was 20-1 at the start.. one can only wonder with three of the three games already played going to Australia how many English players bet on Australia to win the white wash

**Matt W** · Dec 20, 2006, 06:31 pm

InTheFlesh - Yes, Ireland are looking the best out of the Northern Hemisphere teams, but I would have said France before the Autumn, and look what happened to them. Dark horses are Argentina, without a doubt.

Kuroko - Yup. sad but true. Interesting point made in one of the papers recently was that England spend ages building up to win something, then fall apart afterwards as they've just done it and have no idea about what's next. Oz (or NZ, for that matter) looks to improve beyond what they've done.

pubmanager · Jan 8, 2007, 10:05 am

Looks like you got it right Matt - Aston's the man, looks like he's a lucky boy with his timing as well:

Vickery back (cpt)
Robinson re-called and playing well
Hill back and in the Saxons squad
Sick note Farrell called up
Wilkinson fit (touch wood) and could be ready for world cup

Maybe we've got a chance of beating someone other than Italy at the 6 nations after all. I won't hold my breath!

I like the look of the squad though, what does anyone think? Could England be looking at a timely return to form for the world cup defense. I think it's a little early to tell but there could just be something in Mr Ashton's stars.

What about Davies' comments re: The Hook/Henson rotation? I agree with Jonathon Davies; Hook's got to be given a chance to take on Jone's for the 10 spot, a spot that Henson has failed to deliver in, and the only way he can take on Jones is to get games under his belt at the top level.

Not sure I agree with a rotation system particularly for 1/2 backs, it's just to hard to pick up and put down a 9 10 jersey, you need time to tune in and settle.

G. Adams · Jan 10, 2007, 02:34 pm

On a happier note, lets see the finest rugby tackle on the football pitch

YouTube - Boris Johnson vs Germany

Boris Johnson FTW!!

Compugasm · Jan 11, 2007, 02:28 am

That was the finest? He nailed him in the balls. So what? In America, we've got many TV shows where guys do this stuff intentionally, and with variants on theme. Head, foot... hey, let the midget take a whack! Now, put on this dress, and get in a shopping cart!...

Dec 10, 2006, 05:31 am	#1 (permalink) (top)
Matt W Moderator Location: Reading, UK. Posts: 6,105	Non-US Sport I just thought I'd create a little haven for the sport the rest of the world plays....so if anyone wants to talk about Premiership football, Rugby, Cricket, La Liga, Formula 1, hell, even Horse Racing....let's chat! Predictably, I'll open with rugby-related news....been looking over the Heinekin Cup results, and it's looking interesting....some of the usual suspects are looking clear (certainly Biarritz, and Llanelli Scarlets), but otherwise, it's anyone's game. A good season of European rugby.....should be a lot of fun watching the 6 Nations. I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. -George Best, on being asked what he did with his footballing fortunes.

Dec 10, 2006, 06:59 am	#2 (permalink) (top)
Compugasm Son of X51 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,586	6 Nations, how many teams are there? I'd like to thank Charlie Hodge, bringing me scarves and water.

Dec 10, 2006, 08:21 am	#3 (permalink) (top)
Matt W Moderator Location: Reading, UK. Posts: 6,105	6, funnily enough. England, France, Scotland, Wales, Ireland & Italy. I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. -George Best, on being asked what he did with his footballing fortunes.

Dec 10, 2006, 01:02 pm	#4 (permalink) (top)
Kuroko Igneous Magma Posts: 305	Be gratefull Australia doesn't take over some small country in europe simply to win that title as well But also, a sport particullar to Australia would be Australian Rules Football or AFL. I'm a little over it but people from the USA are fascinated by it about ten minutes. Deist: 38% Scientist: 29% Debator: 15% Mathematician: 19%

Dec 10, 2006, 01:15 pm	#5 (permalink) (top)
Matt W Moderator Location: Reading, UK. Posts: 6,105	What, the Aussies who got beaten by the Irish, drew with Wales & struggled to win over Italy? I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. -George Best, on being asked what he did with his footballing fortunes.

Dec 10, 2006, 01:22 pm	#6 (permalink) (top)
Kuroko Igneous Magma Posts: 305	One and the same, ever enjoying a challange we are! Thats a 1-1-1 markup right there, how is that so bad Deist: 38% Scientist: 29% Debator: 15% Mathematician: 19%

Dec 11, 2006, 08:19 am	#8 (permalink) (top)
pubmanager start drinking up Location: london Posts: 582	California has 6 National rugby teams ... brilliant! "People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Soren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813-1855)

Dec 11, 2006, 08:25 am	#9 (permalink) (top)
pubmanager start drinking up Location: london Posts: 582	Matt, (or any other fellow egg chasers) Who's your tip for the England job? Bit of a poison chalice before world cup. I think we could do with a caretaker, write off the 6 nations and world cup defense as an excercise in youth developement and then give the job to Dean Richards post world cup (defeat). "People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Soren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813-1855)

Dec 11, 2006, 03:00 pm	#10 (permalink) (top)
Matt W Moderator Location: Reading, UK. Posts: 6,105	shrugs Give it to Ashton, for the moment. Proven experience (having managed Ireland), if you stick him in charge you provide someone who has an overall view of where he wants the team to go, and, more to the point, it's a bit of stability for the team. Think we could do with a new forwards coach, though...England are looking pathetic in that department at the moment. No fire in them. I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. -George Best, on being asked what he did with his footballing fortunes.

Dec 12, 2006, 04:37 am	#11 (permalink) (top)
pubmanager start drinking up Location: london Posts: 582	Ashton was a great addition to the coaching staff, very astute rugby brain, I think if he gets hold of the players he wants in the 3/4's and has some time to spend with them, we may see a return to an England team capable of breaking a line! (let's hope) Ironically, Robinson was a fantastic forwards coach, the RFU made him a manager which he never was! Think I'd have to agree with you though, give Ashton overall responsibility for the time being. My only concern with that would be wether he'll be able to slip back into an assistants role once somebody else is appointed. What are your thoughts? "People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Soren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813-1855)

Dec 12, 2006, 07:32 pm	#12 (permalink) (top)
Compugasm Son of X51 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,586	I thought Wales was in England. I'd like to thank Charlie Hodge, bringing me scarves and water.

Dec 12, 2006, 07:51 pm	#13 (permalink) (top)
Chris Gamma-ray burst Location: Nashville Posts: 6,225	Wales= different country in the UK (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) As is Scotland and N. Ireland Delusion- A persistent false belief held in the face of strong contradictory evidence. (i.e. religion) Shared via G reader Blog

Dec 16, 2006, 08:00 am	#15 (permalink) (top)
InTheFlesh? Comfortably Dumb Location: England Posts: 57	Who do you think will win the world cup next year? Obvious choice would be New Zealand, but i reckon ireland will get luck (ho ho) and have a good chance to get to the final. Italy are looking stronger, they have a good chance at doing alright in the 6 nations next year! England are going to take years to return to form, if they do.

Dec 19, 2006, 02:49 am	#16 (permalink) (top)
Kuroko Igneous Magma Posts: 305	And the ashes cup returns to aussie land for the cricket The odds of Aussie land getting the white wash (five out of five tests) was 20-1 at the start.. one can only wonder with three of the three games already played going to Australia how many English players bet on Australia to win the white wash Deist: 38% Scientist: 29% Debator: 15% Mathematician: 19%

Dec 20, 2006, 06:31 pm	#17 (permalink) (top)
Matt W Moderator Location: Reading, UK. Posts: 6,105	InTheFlesh - Yes, Ireland are looking the best out of the Northern Hemisphere teams, but I would have said France before the Autumn, and look what happened to them. Dark horses are Argentina, without a doubt. Kuroko - Yup. sad but true. Interesting point made in one of the papers recently was that England spend ages building up to win something, then fall apart afterwards as they've just done it and have no idea about what's next. Oz (or NZ, for that matter) looks to improve beyond what they've done. I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. -George Best, on being asked what he did with his footballing fortunes.

Jan 8, 2007, 10:05 am	#18 (permalink) (top)
pubmanager start drinking up Location: london Posts: 582	Looks like you got it right Matt - Aston's the man, looks like he's a lucky boy with his timing as well: Vickery back (cpt) Robinson re-called and playing well Hill back and in the Saxons squad Sick note Farrell called up Wilkinson fit (touch wood) and could be ready for world cup Maybe we've got a chance of beating someone other than Italy at the 6 nations after all. I won't hold my breath! I like the look of the squad though, what does anyone think? Could England be looking at a timely return to form for the world cup defense. I think it's a little early to tell but there could just be something in Mr Ashton's stars. What about Davies' comments re: The Hook/Henson rotation? I agree with Jonathon Davies; Hook's got to be given a chance to take on Jone's for the 10 spot, a spot that Henson has failed to deliver in, and the only way he can take on Jones is to get games under his belt at the top level. Not sure I agree with a rotation system particularly for 1/2 backs, it's just to hard to pick up and put down a 9 10 jersey, you need time to tune in and settle. "People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Soren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813-1855)

Jan 10, 2007, 02:34 pm	#19 (permalink) (top)
G. Adams Fyrdman Location: Middlesbrough UK Posts: 4,152	On a happier note, lets see the finest rugby tackle on the football pitch YouTube - Boris Johnson vs Germany Boris Johnson FTW!! Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill

Jan 11, 2007, 02:28 am	#20 (permalink) (top)
Compugasm Son of X51 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,586	That was the finest? He nailed him in the balls. So what? In America, we've got many TV shows where guys do this stuff intentionally, and with variants on theme. Head, foot... hey, let the midget take a whack! Now, put on this dress, and get in a shopping cart!... I'd like to thank Charlie Hodge, bringing me scarves and water.