The Silver Fern

From a mate

Deb and me were there for the previous lowest point in Welsh rugby - the Debacle in Nantes in 2007. Yesterday’s nadir was more surreal.

Picture the scene. Having left the ground early we are on the train back to Aberdare, with one AirPod each, watching on my phone, as England rack up more points, and all hopes of Welsh British Lions evaporate.

The only consolation is that we have a £1 bet at 80-1 for England to score 5 or more tries in each half. But with 78 minutes gone England need to score 2 more tries. Impossible? No. Pollock scores and England hurry the conversion so the game kicks off again with about 20 seconds left. I nudge Deb and say “Deb, England need to score from this kick-off for us to win £80.” A few moments later Double-Barrelingham-Smith scores England’s 10th try and the near empty carriage erupts with me screaming with joy.

The guard comes up to us and says “What’s happened? Are Wales back in the game?”

An unenthused Deb replies “No.”

I don't think so. They will be at their best. I can't see them lose against this meh Irish side. But I can be wrong, of course.

Depending on your sauces either

Gatland’s resignation will be accepted this weekend and Wales will have an interim coach for the remainder of the tournament

Gatland’s resignation will be accepted at the end of the tournament

Either way Wales has to approach the remaining fixtures with a new game plan and different personnel with which to execute it

If fit, the backs are easy

Liam Williams / Cam Winnett
T Rogers
M Llewelyn
E James
J Adams
G Anscombe / B Thomas
T Williams / E Bevan

Will have a think about the forwards

@Jet said in 6N 2025 : France v Wales:

@Dan54 said in 6N 2025 : France v Wales:

@Jet said in 6N 2025 : France v Wales:

@Dan54 said in 6N 2025 : France v Wales:

I have personally reckoned that any team using the pod system are illegal 5/10 times. France seem to be pushing it, and I put it down to how game has changed. Just know when I played you tried to never have a team mate with the ball behind you as you would get pinged for offside. I did think some of the French ones were extreme, even for whats allowed these days.

Ireland dined out on it for years during their recent golden age. Players ahead of ball carriers all over the place masquerading as bodies in motion.

It’s no wonder a geriatric sexton had an arm chair ride in his latter years.

He was basically walking around out there.

Yep we weren't adverse to using it either, don't know any team that was. Though some seemed to overdo it I agree.

I think rugby peaked around 2003-2007. The 05 lions tour was Rugby as I liked it.

Maybe I’m getting old (40) but the current overly busy refs, and skullduggery such as this du Pont stuff does nothing for me.

I preferred when backs were backs, forwards were forwards, and you could have a bit of a “sort out” without being sent off.

The TMO is a good addition for adjudicating on whether a try is scored but going back a couple of phases to see something technical that was missed leaves me cold.

Camel. Horse. Committee. Etc

TLDR : “games gone”

Old at 40??? But genuinely mate I perhaps 30 years older, but I agree wholeheartedly.

@Nepia no need to apologize.

The PR on Rassie’s doctorate:

“In addition to his visionary leadership, he has also shown an unwavering commitment to the Sport Transformation Charter – which is included in the Strategic Plan of the Department of Sport and Recreation – that has resulted in a systematic change in the development of talent and skills across the national rugby spectrum.

Erasmus has shown himself to be a nation builder of whom the country can be proud.

“Rassie embodies the principles of resilience, determination and teamwork that we at the North-West University hold dear in our educational mission. His contributions to South Africa, both as a rugby strategist and as a nation builder, serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication and visionary leadership come together. This esteemed recognition is not only well deserved, but also a testament to the remarkable contributions and exceptional impact Rassie has made in the field of sport and innovative sports management,” said Bert Sorgdrager, Council chairperson.

“His commitment to inclusivity and transformation in sport has not only revitalised rugby but has served as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and unity in a nation with a complex history. Under his guidance, the Springboks not only achieved rugby greatness, but also became a unifying force, bringing together people of all backgrounds and beliefs. His emphasis on teamwork, discipline and dedication has resonated far beyond the sports arena, offering life lessons that inspire not only aspiring athletes, but also individuals in their everyday lives. He has meaningfully used his sphere of influence to advocate for social change, fostering an environment in which diversity and inclusivity are celebrated, and differences are seen as strengths rather than weaknesses,” Sorgdrager concluded.”

@African-Monkey said in Autumn Test 2024 : Wales v Australia:

Random thought, but how has Gareth Anscombe only played 39 tests! Thought he'd be between 60-70 tests minimum by now. He's been there forever.

Injured and fucked off for a while

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/cn8g2m4e0jvo

@Canes4life said in Reds v Wales:

@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Reds v Wales:

Damn. Only found out this was on this morning. Wonder if there are any more tickets available....

Looks like plenty of tickets unsold.

Yeah was going to go but got caught up in that Crowdstrike debacle. Shame because it would have been worth the price of entry.

😂😂😂

@Bones said in Springboks v Wales (Twickenam):

@MiketheSnow said in Springboks v Wales (Twickenam):

@Bones said in Springboks v Wales (Twickenam):

@MiketheSnow said in Springboks v Wales (Twickenam):

PSDT hand on the floor at nearly every scrum

Haven't watched the video so maybe missing something, but not sure I follow what the issue is unless he's moved to prop?

Perhaps I don’t know the laws

Hands on floor allowed during set up

From engagement, no?

I'd always assumed binding on the opposition is only the front row, never considered flankers weren't allowed their free arm to be on the floor.

Same. Would be odd to penalise that. No advantage achieved if a flanker has his hand on the ground.

@antipodean said in 6N Wales v Italy:

@Catogrande hopefully he gets cited. The game would benefit immeasurably by preventing "waterboys" from entering the pitch. And penalizing substitutes who enter the field of play to celebrate a try.

A blight on the game and Neil Jenkins should have more respect for the games's ethos and the officials. Give Refs the power to award a penalty to the opposition at halfway to stamp out this crap.

@Machpants said in 6N Wales v France:

@MiketheSnow said in 6N Wales v France:

France by 2-6.

Sadly close to France by 26 😞

We gifted at least 14 points and momentum

@Daffy-Jaffy I really can't stand that Irish commentator. Not sure why, but he really grates me. No doubt, he's a massive Ireland fan and commentates exactly as one, but I don't have a problem with other countries commentators who do this (Oz, England, Safa).

I think he just commentates like Ireland are better at absolutely everything and the opposition should almost feel honoured to be allowed to play them.

Maybe it's just me.

@Bones said in 6N 2024 England v Wales:

@Dodge yeah but the ref shouldn't have to study Ford's kicking style. He stands and lines it up, then takes a step to the left, to what...line it up again? That's how most kickers begin their approach. If it quacks like a duck then go for it I say.

Yep, fair point.

@antipodean said in 6N 2024 Wales v Scotland:

@game_film agreed. Good leadership means having uncomfortable conversations.

Prolly also means having your players respect you enough to listen to your "clear instructions".

@antipodean said in Barbarians v Wales:

@sparky said in Barbarians v Wales:

Aumua back on after doing this.

Pfft. Only person who should be penalised is the bloke running at the defensive line without the ball.

I saw that and was confused as to why Ireland were wearing Red jerseys.

Finished 70-7. A blood bath.

@Toddy said in RWC QF: Wales v Argentina:

@Machpants Are you sure

https://passport.world.rugby/media/j5senlan/2303-update-head_contact_process_en.pdf

Looking at the process, and rewatching the incident, it seems pretty clear to me that Dickson shat the bed.

Law 20: Dangerous play in a ruck or maul.
A ) A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul.
B ) A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.

So that's a clear "Yes" to the first 2 questions.

What was the degree of danger?
Well, it meets the direct contact, high speed, and dynamic criteria (and arguably some others). So that's RC territory.

Is there any mitigation?
Yup, Tompkins was falling. So that means it's downgraded to YC.

It's a fairly well defined process (whether you agree with it or not), so how the heck they came up with no penalty is a mystery for the ages.