Le Taupe XIV et la mégalomanie d'un secretaire d'état ripoux

[Torquemada 1420]

Just looked up the taxi accident. Weird accident really. Has he fully recovered?

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/zinzan-br ... IEHMXMBQI/

The whole circumstances of the accident remain unclear.

[Marylandolorian]

New season starting, looks like 3 teams will dominate, ST- SR- R92 , in 4th I don’t see Bordeaux, weaker than last year. CO or RCT ?

A good résumé by SO

https://www.sudouest.fr/sport/rugby/top ... 013688.php

[Slick]

Jelonch is the new Zizan Brooks.

Lots of excellent French oh hee haww'ing

[TheFrog]

Le Garrec struggled in his first match of the season why the Uruguayan star, Arata, showed him the way.

Jordan Joseph the only guy to deliver in Pau. Can he lift his game in time for the RWC and become Aldritt's number one replacement?

Any of you had heard of Enzo Benmegal? Seems to be promising. Let's see against tougher oppostion.


Clermont wasting points already

[Torquemada 1420]

Le Garrec struggled in his first match of the season why the Uruguayan star, Arata, showed him the way.

Jordan Joseph the only guy to deliver in Pau. Can he lift his game in time for the RWC and become Aldritt's number one replacement?

Any of you had heard of Enzo Benmegal? Seems to be promising. Let's see against tougher oppostion.


Clermont wasting points already

I binned my Premier Sports subscription because they showed so few games last year and could not find any streams: what were you watching on?

Joseph needs to sort his fitness out although I guess with Aldritt, he actually doesn't need to be able to go the full 80.

Yeah, a lot of talk about Benmegal and I see Bernol has already gone OTT calling him the new Teddy Thomas. I only hope he defends better than Thomas.

These early season games are always dismal anyway as sides struggle to find match fitness and cohesion with new team mates.

[Torquemada 1420]

Jalibert has a shocker for UBB and basically costs his side a comfortable win against ST.

[Marylandolorian]

Jalibert has a shocker for UBB and basically costs his side a comfortable win against ST.

Yep, he played only the last 30 minutes and looked a bit lost. It’s the penalties (3 in 30’)plus the 1st try after the late tackle on Dupont that is costing Bordeaux the game.

Both teams showed their potential, I think it was the best game of the weekend.

[laurent]

Sad news Virimi Vakatawa has to retire.

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/top-14/2 ... tory.shtml

[Torquemada 1420]

Sad news Virimi Vakatawa has to retire.

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/top-14/2 ... tory.shtml

Terrible news.

I guess we have to wait until tomorrow to find out what the medical reason is. Only to be hoped it's not something that will impact upon the rest of his life.

[laurent]

In other news Laporte goes on trial on various fraud and embezzlement charges

https://www.sudouest.fr/france/corrupti ... 138818.php

[laurent]

Sad news Virimi Vakatawa has to retire.

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/top-14/2 ... tory.shtml

Terrible news.

I guess we have to wait until tomorrow to find out what the medical reason is. Only to be hoped it's not something that will impact upon the rest of his life.

Heart Issue so not something to be ignored.

[Torquemada 1420]

In other news Laporte goes on trial on various fraud and embezzlement charges

https://www.sudouest.fr/france/corrupti ... 138818.php

Please gods, let the ****er rot in jail.

[Torquemada 1420]

Sad news Virimi Vakatawa has to retire.

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/top-14/2 ... tory.shtml

Terrible news.

I guess we have to wait until tomorrow to find out what the medical reason is. Only to be hoped it's not something that will impact upon the rest of his life.

Heart Issue so not something to be ignored.

Looks progressive so not great.

[TheFrog]

Sad news Virimi Vakatawa has to retire.

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/top-14/2 ... tory.shtml

Terrible news.

I guess we have to wait until tomorrow to find out what the medical reason is. Only to be hoped it's not something that will impact upon the rest of his life.

Really sad. I am so sorry for the guy. Wonder if his lack of form of late has anything to do with that...

[TheFrog]

In other news Laporte goes on trial on various fraud and embezzlement charges

https://www.sudouest.fr/france/corrupti ... 138818.php

Please gods, let the ****er rot in jail.

The 2023 RWC will be a joke at this rate. Add another Darmanin blunder and it could be a nightmare.

[TheFrog]

Le Garrec struggled in his first match of the season why the Uruguayan star, Arata, showed him the way.

Jordan Joseph the only guy to deliver in Pau. Can he lift his game in time for the RWC and become Aldritt's number one replacement?

Any of you had heard of Enzo Benmegal? Seems to be promising. Let's see against tougher oppostion.


Clermont wasting points already

I binned my Premier Sports subscription because they showed so few games last year and could not find any streams: what were you watching on?

Joseph needs to sort his fitness out although I guess with Aldritt, he actually doesn't need to be able to go the full 80.

Yeah, a lot of talk about Benmegal and I see Bernol has already gone OTT calling him the new Teddy Thomas. I only hope he defends better than Thomas.

These early season games are always dismal anyway as sides struggle to find match fitness and cohesion with new team mates.

Unfortunately, I am reading reports, not watching games.. I don't have any rugby subscription and since ESPN+ stopped showing SH rugby, I am without rugby at all except for the France 2 games.

[TheFrog]

Jalibert has a shocker for UBB and basically costs his side a comfortable win against ST.

Yep, he played only the last 30 minutes and looked a bit lost. It’s the penalties (3 in 30’)plus the 1st try after the late tackle on Dupont that is costing Bordeaux the game.

Both teams showed their potential, I think it was the best game of the weekend.

This year is going to be a year of fierce competition between 4 talented players to make the cut for the RWC. While Ntamack and Jalibert are ahead, Hastoy and Carbonnel have moved to new clubs and may rise to prominence. I have to say that I have less faith in Carbonnel's ability to raise his game at Montpellier where he will be in the shadow of Garbisi.

[Torquemada 1420]

Unfortunately, I am reading reports, not watching games.. I don't have any rugby subscription and since ESPN+ stopped showing SH rugby, I am without rugby at all except for the France 2 games.

Thanks. We are both blind now then.

[Torquemada 1420]

This year is going to be a year of fierce competition between 4 talented players to make the cut for the RWC. While Ntamack and Jalibert are ahead, Hastoy and Carbonnel have moved to new clubs and may rise to prominence. I have to say that I have less faith in Carbonnel's ability to raise his game at Montpellier where he will be in the shadow of Garbisi.

Well, I don't think Hastoy is an intl. Gibert is a more talented and a better prospect.

Carbonel's issue is the wrong choice of club. Not because of Garbisi but because of playing style. LaR screwed up in not taking him.

[laurent]

And I refuse to give money to a fascist, so I hardly watch any rugby on TV.

To be fair when you spend as much time as I do at a rugby club TV is not really relevant (and I am happier without).

Acrossthetasman still has most games if you want to Torrent. (I do not do this often anymore)

I actually did download a youtube stream of Clontarf - Terenure AIL Final as I could not get a recording otherwise ...

[Torquemada 1420]

And I refuse to give money to a fascist, so I hardly watch any rugby on TV.

To be fair when you spend as much time as I do at a rugby club TV is not really relevant (and I am happier without).

Acrossthetasman still has most games if you want to Torrent. (I do not do this often anymore)

I actually did download a youtube stream of Clontarf - Terenure AIL Final as I could not get a recording otherwise ...

Thanks. I've not used my ATT login in years!

[Torquemada 1420]

BTW, some of us are going to the SA game in Marseille if any of you is around too.

[TheFrog]

BTW, some of us are going to the SA game in Marseille if any of you is around too.

I have 2 tickets for the Japan game in Toulouse but unsure I will be able to make it. Would have loved to get to the Marseille game though. A massive occasion for France to make a statement and back last season's win over the ailing All Black with a strong message to the world.

[Torquemada 1420]

BTW, some of us are going to the SA game in Marseille if any of you is around too.

I have 2 tickets for the Japan game in Toulouse but unsure I will be able to make it. Would have loved to get to the Marseille game though. A massive occasion for France to make a statement and back last season's win over the ailing All Black with a strong message to the world.

Agree. This is a chance to test against the most physical side in the world.

[TheFrog]

Watch some of the Top14 highlights.

Impressed by Kpoku.

Noted HABEL KUFFNER as well.

Some good players in this Top14.

[Torquemada 1420]

Watch some of the Top14 highlights.

Impressed by Kpoku.

Noted HABEL KUFFNER as well.

Some good players in this Top14.

I can't even get highlights now. 1st time in decades I won't be seeing any T rugby.

[TheFrog]

Watch some of the Top14 highlights.

Impressed by Kpoku.

Noted HABEL KUFFNER as well.

Some good players in this Top14.

I can't even get highlights now. 1st time in decades I won't be seeing any T rugby.

YouTube
There are official Top14 highlights.

[TheFrog]

I subscribed to FloRugby in the USA... just bought a new TV and wanted to enjoy the rugby on it


Watching Lyon - La Rochelle. Entertaining though there are lots of mistakes. La Rochelle power is unbelievable.

Danty-Rhule in the centers is a scary proposition.

Impressed by Wardi. Powerful, mobile, turns over the ball. Tanga used at 7 and the team relies on him quite a lot.

Hastoy vs Berdeu: Berdeu didn't get much ball but most of the time playing far too deep and kicking aimlessly. Hastoy much closer to the advantage line but it is easier behind a pack that moves forward. None of their placed kicking has been impressive.

Kerr-Barlow clearly the boss at La Rochelle though he also makes mistakes.

[TheFrog]

Sloppy finish by La Rochelle allowing Lyon to take a losing BP.

Maraku at the heart of the Lyon come back.

[Torquemada 1420]

Sloppy finish by La Rochelle allowing Lyon to take a losing BP.

Maraku at the heart of the Lyon come back.

That hurt LaR a lot last season: falling apart from winning positions.

Le Garrec has had a total shocker start to this game. Hands a try in what will probably be the worst bit of play the entire season.

{EDIT} And Russell is a dogsh*t flaky as ever.

{EDIT2} Russell really needs to f**k off back to Scotland.

{EDIT3} The umpteenth hail mary pass from Russell goes astray.

{EDIT4) Racing scrum getting bummed. Benmegal may well be the new Thomas. Scores a wonder try and then gives one away with an awful piece of defending that would have embarrassed even Thomas.

{EDIT5} Turnover ball for Racing in a dangerous position. And guess what? Sh*thouse Russell immediately aimlessly kicks it direct to the only Bayonne player back home.

{EDIT6} Racing hammered at the breakdown too. Woki has been invisible playing in the backrow so either he really is a lock now or has played so long away from the backrow, he's forgotten how.

[Torquemada 1420]

From 18-8 up, Racing lose. Abysmal, abject 2nd half effort.

[Torquemada 1420]

Jalibert has another poor game and also embroiled in a row with Mermoz relating to sleeping with the latter's ex and then posting a pic on social media of Jalibert giving Mermoz the one fingered salute.
https://www.midilibre.fr/2022/09/08/rug ... 530927.php

The lad better wind his neck in fast and start acting like a professional rather than a spoiled brat because, at the moment, his rugby is reflecting his attitude.

[TheFrog]

Watching Toulouse - Toulon.

With their offload game, Toulouse do shit - shit - shit and try.

[TheFrog]

And Toulon goes asleep after Luc misses a kick to touch. Dupont spots the space and try. How sloppy by Toulon...

Ramos struggling from the tee.

Ntamack with his kicks off hand but great vision ball in hand.

[TheFrog]

Dupont started slowly, few mistakes and poor decisions, but now he became alive and is destroying Toulon on his own.

[TheFrog]

Dupont can be on and off, it is surprising. But the quality of his defensive work cannot be understated.

[TheFrog]

Sloppy finish by La Rochelle allowing Lyon to take a losing BP.

Maraku at the heart of the Lyon come back.

That hurt LaR a lot last season: falling apart from winning positions.

Le Garrec has had a total shocker start to this game. Hands a try in what will probably be the worst bit of play the entire season.

{EDIT} And Russell is a dogsh*t flaky as ever.

{EDIT2} Russell really needs to f**k off back to Scotland.

{EDIT3} The umpteenth hail mary pass from Russell goes astray.

{EDIT4) Racing scrum getting bummed. Benmegal may well be the new Thomas. Scores a wonder try and then gives one away with an awful piece of defending that would have embarrassed even Thomas.

{EDIT5} Turnover ball for Racing in a dangerous position. And guess what? Sh*thouse Russell immediately aimlessly kicks it direct to the only Bayonne player back home.

{EDIT6} Racing hammered at the breakdown too. Woki has been invisible playing in the backrow so either he really is a lock now or has played so long away from the backrow, he's forgotten how.

Racing choice of having a light pack to play fast rugby just ignores the basics of rugby. La Rochelle have understood that you need muscle as well as skills and pace.

[Torquemada 1420]

Dupont can be on and off, it is surprising. But the quality of his defensive work cannot be understated.

Like we keep saying, he is a 4th backrower. His offensive defence is incredible. Who was it he rag dolled and carried back yards last season?

No surprise that West was sh*te. Toulon dump Carbonel and bring in the worst FH in T14

Ramos had a terrible kicking game and did exactly what I keep arguing: he goes long periods kicking everything and then will have a total meltdown. Which is why you can't have him as an intl kicker.
- someone who is an 80% kicker and always kicks 4 from 5 is much better
- than someone who is an 80% kicker but does it by kicking 100% most games and then zero in the odd one

As an aside, his handling and decision making looks like it was bad too.

[Torquemada 1420]

Racing choice of having a light pack to play fast rugby just ignores the basics of rugby. La Rochelle have understood that you need muscle as well as skills and pace.

You can get away with that as a game style but it requires players who can do it with structure. Racing's bigger error is to assume they can succeed with Russell playing random, harem scarum sh*t.

[TheFrog]

Jalibert still off his form. Not looking good for the AI. He seems a bit lost. Wonder if this has something to do with his relationship with Urios.

His mate Woki struggling to find his position at Racing. Played 8 this time but wasn't convincing.

Two key French players who are not doing to well right now.