Search found 1568 matches

by Ovals
Mon Mar 31, 2025 9:39 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: Planet Rugby
Replies: 34
Views: 1074

Re: Planet Rugby

Ovals wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 10:50 pm I also post over the road - haven't had any demands for money from PR yet ! And I use an ad blocker.
Spoke too soon - had it come up last night - but I just accepted the cookies (not the fee) and it carried on as usual - still no ads !! So all OK.
by Ovals
Sun Mar 30, 2025 12:33 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: Adventures in kids coaching
Replies: 257
Views: 27460

Re: Adventures in kids coaching

My Grand Daughter played in the Rosslyn Park national youth 7s last week, her 1st real rugby since breaking a finger 7 weeks ago. Lots of the games were streamed on Youtube with proper commentary, action replays etc - really well done - coverage was very similar to what you get on tv with player int...
by Ovals
Fri Mar 28, 2025 10:50 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: Planet Rugby
Replies: 34
Views: 1074

Re: Planet Rugby

I also post over the road - haven't had any demands for money from PR yet ! And I use an ad blocker.
by Ovals
Tue Mar 25, 2025 12:16 am
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: B&I Lions 2025 Official Thread
Replies: 50
Views: 1675

Re: B&I Lions 2025 Official Thread

Paddington Bear wrote: Mon Mar 24, 2025 10:02 pm Anyone else struggle to get too excited?
I'd be more excited if it was an England tour.
by Ovals
Sun Mar 23, 2025 2:02 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: Women's Rugby Thread
Replies: 1121
Views: 59424

Re: Women's Rugby Thread

That was a very powerful Welsh team but they always looked like they would run out of steam and we really should have buried them earlier. Some real talent in that Scottish backline and we have actually found someone who can kick out of hand which makes a massive difference. Also Rachel Malcolm is ...
by Ovals
Sat Mar 22, 2025 11:25 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

Lady P wrote: Sat Mar 22, 2025 5:04 pm Wtf actually just happened in Sarries v Quins?!
It all seemed to change when they brought Benson on at FH - the 22 year old played a blinder.
by Ovals
Sat Mar 22, 2025 4:41 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: Women's Rugby Thread
Replies: 1121
Views: 59424

Re: Women's Rugby Thread

laurent wrote: Sat Mar 22, 2025 4:26 pm
Slick wrote: Sat Mar 22, 2025 1:07 pm Hate to say it, but Holly having a bit of shocker in the middle so far in the Ireland v France game
Not as bad as France was the level of play was atrocious.
Yeah - I don't think that game will be giving England any sleepless nights.
by Ovals
Mon Mar 17, 2025 6:24 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: Lions Squad - Who's In?
Replies: 323
Views: 22914

Re: Lions Squad - Who's In?

He bought Dingwall into the squad that already contained the other Saints backs. He actually dropped one for the Wales match. Whilst I agree that Saints backs are coached very well for a particular style of play it quite often doesn't work due to the lack of power in the Saints forwards hence their...
by Ovals
Mon Mar 17, 2025 4:39 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

tc27 wrote: Mon Mar 17, 2025 3:37 pm So.my question is should England practice heading the ball forward? Thread last three times it's happened we have scored.
It should be a knock on - needs a change to the laws.
by Ovals
Mon Mar 17, 2025 4:31 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: Welsh rugby: the end?
Replies: 37
Views: 1116

Re: Welsh rugby: the end?

Whilst I can't see it happening - I'd love to see 2 Welsh regions join the English premiership. I think it would generate much more interest in Wales if their teams were playing against English Opposition most weeks - especially with games against Bath, Bristol and Gloucester - they'd also get more ...
by Ovals
Mon Mar 17, 2025 4:18 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: Lions Squad - Who's In?
Replies: 323
Views: 22914

Re: Lions Squad - Who's In?

Let's give England some credit. While Slick is right, Borthwick did one thing that helped contribute to the improved performance in the last two matches: he picked more Saints backs, allowing England to leverage Saints' coaching. He bought Dingwall into the squad that already contained the other Sa...
by Ovals
Mon Mar 17, 2025 1:39 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

Ford was pretty bloody good at the end wasn't he? I think he's being quietly brilliant for a while. Long term the Smiths are probably better options but would not at all upset if he was starting at ten. He was very good - but the game was over and the Welsh had got very ragged - an armchair ride wi...
by Ovals
Mon Mar 17, 2025 1:36 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: Lions Squad - Who's In?
Replies: 323
Views: 22914

Re: Lions Squad - Who's In?

Against Italy and Wales How does that invalidate the considerable stride in changing almost completely how the team attacks? The relevance of the opposition is only a fact if you just look at the score and not the nature in how it was achieved. They were boo'd at Twickenham in round 3 for making ev...
by Ovals
Sun Mar 16, 2025 11:07 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

Ford was pretty bloody good at the end wasn't he? I think he's being quietly brilliant for a while. Long term the Smiths are probably better options but would not at all upset if he was starting at ten. He was very good - but the game was over and the Welsh had got very ragged - an armchair ride wi...
by Ovals
Sun Mar 16, 2025 6:43 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

Anyone who has watched England play with FS at 10 compared to how they play with MS at 10 and then can't see any discernible improvement is either a hopeless rugby observer and/or a pathetic Quin fanboy. The difference is night and day. There's just far more headroom for England to play with FS pul...
by Ovals
Sun Mar 16, 2025 5:53 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

Following that game against Wales - how long will it be before England go with a 7/1 bench - considering we didn't really need Ford on the bench - we could have done it yesterday - and with guys, like Earl and Pollock, able to fill in in the backs - I reckon it is just a matter of time, especially ...
by Ovals
Sun Mar 16, 2025 5:25 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: 2025 6N thread
Replies: 3137
Views: 109791

Re: 2025 6N thread

https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-union/article/how-ghost-club-of-ray-gravell-became-symbol-of-wales-decline-m2pfzh3g7 Interesting article which is not behind a paywall today about the decline of village rugby in Wales Good read - but very sad. Maybe they could start by just running 7s teams and...
by Ovals
Sun Mar 16, 2025 4:54 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

Following that game against Wales - how long will it be before England go with a 7/1 bench - considering we didn't really need Ford on the bench - we could have done it yesterday - and with guys, like Earl and Pollock, able to fill in in the backs - I reckon it is just a matter of time, especially w...
by Ovals
Sun Mar 16, 2025 11:59 am
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

Assuming Finn is in the Lions party, and Marcus isn't - and assuming Furbank is fit for the Argentina tour - will Borthers put Marcus back at FH or go with Ford...... I'm looking forward to our summer tour - should see some new talent getting an opportunity. Should be interesting to see who comes in...
by Ovals
Sat Mar 15, 2025 11:34 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: 2025 6 Nations Tipping Comp. Final results are Up
Replies: 249
Views: 14995

Re: 2025 6 Nations Tipping Comp. Last day for Rd 5 picks

Congrats Oxbrow - 2 bloody points, you bastard :clap:

I also came 2nd in the Planet Rugby Fantasy league :cry:
by Ovals
Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:25 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

It's really quite difficult to see what this selection logic is supposed to be. Scenario 1. M. Smith gets injured then Daly will move to 15, but then who goes to the wing? If Freeman moves there then who plays 13? Scenario 2. Dingwall gets injured then who plays 12? Does Earl go there and Willis co...
by Ovals
Wed Mar 12, 2025 9:39 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: 2025 6 Nations Tipping Comp. Final results are Up
Replies: 249
Views: 14995

Re: 2025 6 Nations Tipping Comp. Rd 4 Results up

Italy Vs Ireland - Ireland by 17
Wales Vs England - England by 11
France Vs Scotland - France by 19
by Ovals
Tue Mar 11, 2025 7:12 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: 2025 6N thread
Replies: 3137
Views: 109791

Re: 2025 6N thread

Just watching the England game now. Marcus Smith has more than a touch of the Farrell showboat about him now. I’ve watched Farrell since he was 18 and have never seen him showboat I don’t think it’s in his nature Agreed, I can't see his Dad tolerating any of those sort of antics Agreed - I don't th...
by Ovals
Wed Mar 05, 2025 11:36 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: 2025 6 Nations Tipping Comp. Final results are Up
Replies: 249
Views: 14995

Re: 2025 6 Nations Tipping Comp. Rd 4 picks open

Sandstorm wrote: Wed Mar 05, 2025 8:59 pm Really surprised that so many people think no-tries-and-one-point-winning England are going to beat Italy (or anyone else) by 15+ points. :crazy:
We scored 4 tries v France (and 3 away to Ireland) - should be able to do that, or more, at home v Italy.
by Ovals
Wed Mar 05, 2025 11:14 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

He's rarely in the correct place to make the tackle in the first place! And he's a wet rag when he does get there. It's hilarious reading the Quins board, they seriously think Marcus Smith is some kind of rugby God. :lol: And if he played for Sarries, you'd agree. You really don't understand me one...
by Ovals
Wed Mar 05, 2025 10:10 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

He does what? He's made plenty of tackles in this 6N @ completion rate of 70% - somewhat better than Earl. Marcus certainly doesn't lack conviction in tackling. He's rarely in the correct place to make the tackle in the first place! And he's a wet rag when he does get there. It's hilarious reading ...
by Ovals
Wed Mar 05, 2025 7:54 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

Kawazaki wrote: Wed Mar 05, 2025 6:49 pm
Punter15 wrote: Wed Mar 05, 2025 6:32 pm Smith does at least attempt to tackle.

He does what?
He's made plenty of tackles in this 6N @ completion rate of 70% - somewhat better than Earl. Marcus certainly doesn't lack conviction in tackling.
by Ovals
Wed Mar 05, 2025 6:48 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: 2025 6N thread
Replies: 3137
Views: 109791

Re: 2025 6N thread

Got 14 Welshmen heading up for the weekend and arriving on Friday to meet with about 10 from our end. Weekend planned of various dinners, lunches and pubs, and the game of course. This is the 31st year we have all attended the Scotland v Wales fixture together after meeting on the Lions tour to NZ ...
by Ovals
Wed Mar 05, 2025 6:46 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: 2025 6 Nations Tipping Comp. Final results are Up
Replies: 249
Views: 14995

Re: 2025 6 Nations Tipping Comp. Rd 4 picks open

France by 9
Scotland by 15
England by 17
by Ovals
Mon Feb 24, 2025 5:05 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

Some folks are calling for the ref to be stood down he was so bad! To be fair, I'm sure I muttered plenty worse things about Steve Walsh. Warranted, in that case. He's the only ref who we can legitimately call biased after his 'Fucking English cunt' (directed at an Irish player because he's thick a...
by Ovals
Mon Feb 24, 2025 3:45 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

Looking at the Scottish thread and this discourse about the conversion, it's starting to get a bit ref blamey. French refs are random and not particularly good, sure we could scour the tape for some instances when England were hard done by too. It's not the ref's fault Scotland bombed their first h...
by Ovals
Mon Feb 24, 2025 11:05 am
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: 2025 6N thread
Replies: 3137
Views: 109791

Re: 2025 6N thread

it was a wild punt, and not beyond the bounds of possibility given how shite Wales have been recently I know. I had Ireland by 40. I also gave Italy waaay too much credit against a French Team on the end of a proper tongue-lashing mid-week. :cry: I thought France would win comfortably - but they wo...
by Ovals
Sun Feb 23, 2025 10:23 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: 2025 6N thread
Replies: 3137
Views: 109791

Re: 2025 6N thread

They’ve only got within a score of us once in the last decade (last year), and even that was with the final play of the game. I don’t discount them beating us but the idea they’ve been competitive with us simply isn’t true Huh, so they haven't. I've so much residual frustration with games against I...
by Ovals
Sun Feb 23, 2025 3:07 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

28-12 to England A Should have been more with second half dominance Fisilau looked very good coming on for Barbeary Decent win in horrible conditions - suffered from the forwards having white line fever when we should have spun the ball out, having sucked in the Irish defenders. But some very good ...
by Ovals
Fri Feb 21, 2025 10:47 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: 2025 6N thread
Replies: 3137
Views: 109791

Re: 2025 6N thread

fishfoodie wrote: Fri Feb 21, 2025 9:40 pm 20 - 12 FT in Newport

Massive defensive effort by Wales, 228 tackles & they left Ireland scoreless in the 2nd half
That's a great result for the Welsh. Hopefully they'll give England a tough game (but not too tough, of course).
by Ovals
Thu Feb 20, 2025 4:11 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

Scotland team out. Think we have them up front, and our back row has been excellent thus far. Huw Jones and VdM will never not give me the fear - it is very possible to get to the outside of our defensive system and I don’t think it’s any criticism of Smith to say he’s unlikely to stop a bloke 1,00...
by Ovals
Thu Feb 20, 2025 4:01 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: 2025 6 Nations Tipping Comp. Final results are Up
Replies: 249
Views: 14995

Re: 2025 6 Nations Tipping Comp. Open for Rd 3 picks

Ireland by 21
England by 9
France by 15
by Ovals
Wed Feb 19, 2025 11:12 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

Hoover isn’t the right word in most cases. I said above - a lot of people who really ought to be playing village cricket actively want to be part of the big club environment. We do not recruit actively at any level unless we have a gap in our 1s, but we do find people joining us from village clubs ...
by Ovals
Wed Feb 19, 2025 9:04 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

I think the RFU's 'logic' is that a game is a game regardless but it misses the point hugely and, in my opinion, it will result in more smaller clubs folding, not less. We've seen this before, the better resourced clubs with better floodlights, better pitches, and better showers will reach out and ...
by Ovals
Wed Feb 19, 2025 7:50 pm
Forum: The Bear Pit
Topic: The Official English Rugby Thread
Replies: 20158
Views: 994284

Re: The Official English Rugby Thread

I don't think the initiative to let club 2nd Teams into the league structure will be looked back on as a success either. Where does that end? You could end up with one club with 3 different sides playing in the same 12-team league. Hertfordshire have just voted for it so will be breaking away from ...