A place where escape goats go to play
https://notplanetrugby.com/
In England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.
I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.clydecloggie wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 8:54 amIn England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.
Absolutely gutted about this. An insane athlete and genuinely great guy. My detail had the responsibility to escort him around the Olympic Park in 2012 because he was getting mobbed everywhere. He thought it was brilliant that he was getting looked after by a load of Edinburgh cops and went out of his way to speak to us and after a day knew all our first names.Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Oct 19, 2024 11:16 pm Chris Hoy - I don't know what to say, this is terribly sad, what with his wife's diagnosis as well
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/ ... -diagnosis
In what sense? The French league is very strong at the moment, but the URC is very, very mixed. I can't see how the English Premierships is actively poor in relation, except the finances which have never been right in the whole professional era. I've seen some utter dross in the URC, sadly generally involving Edinburgh, on too many occasions.KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:09 amI genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.clydecloggie wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 8:54 amIn England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.
I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.
A few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.
Edinburgh looked ok beating a poorish Cardiff side in 2nd half. They won't get away with this level of play against a decent team.Achahoish wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 7:20 amThompson is a very good player. He missed most of last season with injury, played 3-4 games and did nothing wrong. He was punted along the M8 when Hastings arrived. He needs game time to build his confidence & sharpness. Having Price alongside him will help that. I'd have kept him over Hastings tbhTichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Oct 19, 2024 6:25 pm There are some good and some very promising players in that Edinburgh team. Tuipulotu looks like he could be every bit as good as his brother, Matt Currie made some really good breaks. Duhan is Duhan, Graham looks like he is getting back to his best. Goosen is very good at this level. Thompson is growing on me, Price played well after a couple of howlers of games.
With Boff and Paterson to come in we have some exciting individuals, but they need a pattern to play to and I don't see one at the moment. Currie and Tuipulotu were making good breaks but the lack of execution at the end of it was very frustrating.
Btw, Embra up to 6th with Connacht to play Leinster just now.
I'll happily go down one if the Wesht can put one over on The Dubs.
Smith is a good player but erratic, Russell will be first pick 10 and possibly captain/vice captain. Opponents can get at Smith both physically and mentally and throw him off his game, Russell is cool headed, a great defender and will control a game better. Ive not seen Russell's kicking th least couple of Bath games but what I have seen suggests it is just as good as Smiths. No contest in my eyes!inactionman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:35 amA few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.
For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.
The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?
It's been utter gash all season. Very poor compared to the two Smithsinactionman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:35 amA few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.
For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.
The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?
Doris must be a shoo in for the captaincy. Russell possibly one of the VC's.dpedin wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 10:19 amSmith is a good player but erratic, Russell will be first pick 10 and possibly captain/vice captain. Opponents can get at Smith both physically and mentally and throw him off his game, Russell is cool headed, a great defender and will control a game better. Ive not seen Russell's kicking th least couple of Bath games but what I have seen suggests it is just as good as Smiths. No contest in my eyes!inactionman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:35 amA few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.
For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.
The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?
Price coming into form makes a lot of difference.Jock42 wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 10:30 am I'm not as down about yesterday as most. The final phase deserted them in the first half but the intensity was much improved, weren't as 1 dimensional and showed more adventure. I'd be happy for embra to pay to keep that VDM, Price had his best game for embra, Harrison my 1st choice, Muncaster had another big performance. Hopefully they put in another shift away next week and continue this upward trajectory.
This applies to a certain genre of rugby journalist as well. The Guardian has literally zero coverage of non-Premiership club rugby: they devote more time to covering Newcastle than they do to covering the entirety of professional rugby in Scotland and Wales, which is poor for a British newspaper.KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:09 amI genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.clydecloggie wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 8:54 amIn England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.
I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.
Same can be said of Gloucester and Newcastle in the Prem, which leaves 8 decent to good teams - not that different to the URC or Top14 which always has a few bottom feeders.robmatic wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 12:27 pmThis applies to a certain genre of rugby journalist as well. The Guardian has literally zero coverage of non-Premiership club rugby: they devote more time to covering Newcastle than they do to covering the entirety of professional rugby in Scotland and Wales, which is poor for a British newspaper.KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:09 amI genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.clydecloggie wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 8:54 am
In England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.
I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.
I am generally bullish about the URC but I think we have to admit that the Welsh teams and Zebre drag the quality level down a bit. The top half of the table is very competitive though and there is a genuine contest around qualifying for the playoffs and for Europe which is lacking in the Premiership.
I think Smith is a great club player but I’ve not seen very much that convinces me he’s anymore than decent at top level. To even suggest he is in the same bracket as Finn is just silly, at this stage.dpedin wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 10:19 amSmith is a good player but erratic, Russell will be first pick 10 and possibly captain/vice captain. Opponents can get at Smith both physically and mentally and throw him off his game, Russell is cool headed, a great defender and will control a game better. Ive not seen Russell's kicking th least couple of Bath games but what I have seen suggests it is just as good as Smiths. No contest in my eyes!inactionman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:35 amA few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.
For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.
The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?
Thanks for that re the Guardian. I started paying monthly for the app coverage and was expecting a lot more Scottish coverage (rugby, but also generally) and wrote to their help desk asking if I was doing something wrong! Won’t continue if that’s the case. Although not sure where else to go really!robmatic wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 12:27 pmThis applies to a certain genre of rugby journalist as well. The Guardian has literally zero coverage of non-Premiership club rugby: they devote more time to covering Newcastle than they do to covering the entirety of professional rugby in Scotland and Wales, which is poor for a British newspaper.KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:09 amI genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.clydecloggie wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 8:54 am
In England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.
I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.
I am generally bullish about the URC but I think we have to admit that the Welsh teams and Zebre drag the quality level down a bit. The top half of the table is very competitive though and there is a genuine contest around qualifying for the playoffs and for Europe which is lacking in the Premiership.
It's the boy band hair flick that annoys me.Slick wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 12:56 pmI think Smith is a great club player but I’ve not seen very much that convinces me he’s anymore than decent at top level. To even suggest he is in the same bracket as Finn is just silly, at this stage.dpedin wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 10:19 amSmith is a good player but erratic, Russell will be first pick 10 and possibly captain/vice captain. Opponents can get at Smith both physically and mentally and throw him off his game, Russell is cool headed, a great defender and will control a game better. Ive not seen Russell's kicking th least couple of Bath games but what I have seen suggests it is just as good as Smiths. No contest in my eyes!inactionman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:35 am
A few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.
For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.
The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?
Re the kicking, Finn misses the odd important touch kick but I’ve never seen it as a wider issue.
Probably important at this point to also mentions Smiths really annoying face
I've found the better rugby coverage tends to be behind paywalls, unfortunately, even for the premiership.Slick wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 12:58 pmThanks for that re the Guardian. I started paying monthly for the app coverage and was expecting a lot more Scottish coverage (rugby, but also generally) and wrote to their help desk asking if I was doing something wrong! Won’t continue if that’s the case. Although not sure where else to go really!robmatic wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 12:27 pmThis applies to a certain genre of rugby journalist as well. The Guardian has literally zero coverage of non-Premiership club rugby: they devote more time to covering Newcastle than they do to covering the entirety of professional rugby in Scotland and Wales, which is poor for a British newspaper.KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:09 am
I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.
I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.
I am generally bullish about the URC but I think we have to admit that the Welsh teams and Zebre drag the quality level down a bit. The top half of the table is very competitive though and there is a genuine contest around qualifying for the playoffs and for Europe which is lacking in the Premiership.
According to Wales Online the Welsh are going to leave the URC and join the premiership, effectively. Be pretty clear which is the poorer league then.clydecloggie wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 12:37 pmSame can be said of Gloucester and Newcastle in the Prem, which leaves 8 decent to good teams - not that different to the URC or Top14 which always has a few bottom feeders.robmatic wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 12:27 pmThis applies to a certain genre of rugby journalist as well. The Guardian has literally zero coverage of non-Premiership club rugby: they devote more time to covering Newcastle than they do to covering the entirety of professional rugby in Scotland and Wales, which is poor for a British newspaper.KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:09 am
I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.
I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.
I am generally bullish about the URC but I think we have to admit that the Welsh teams and Zebre drag the quality level down a bit. The top half of the table is very competitive though and there is a genuine contest around qualifying for the playoffs and for Europe which is lacking in the Premiership.
Smith is highly talented but it's still building out his international career - he's not even the nailed on England starting 10 yet. Talk of lions Test starts is premature, to put it mildlySlick wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 12:56 pmI think Smith is a great club player but I’ve not seen very much that convinces me he’s anymore than decent at top level. To even suggest he is in the same bracket as Finn is just silly, at this stage.dpedin wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 10:19 amSmith is a good player but erratic, Russell will be first pick 10 and possibly captain/vice captain. Opponents can get at Smith both physically and mentally and throw him off his game, Russell is cool headed, a great defender and will control a game better. Ive not seen Russell's kicking th least couple of Bath games but what I have seen suggests it is just as good as Smiths. No contest in my eyes!inactionman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:35 am
A few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.
For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.
The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?
Re the kicking, Finn misses the odd important touch kick but I’ve never seen it as a wider issue.
Probably important at this point to also mentions Smiths really annoying face
Yeah, having decided to pay for a newspaper im not sure what to get. I like the Guardian but as I’ve said, no Scottish stuff. I think the Times rugby is awful and Telegraph has gone too mental. Not really sure what to do!inactionman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 1:38 pmI've found the better rugby coverage tends to be behind paywalls, unfortunately, even for the premiership.Slick wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 12:58 pmThanks for that re the Guardian. I started paying monthly for the app coverage and was expecting a lot more Scottish coverage (rugby, but also generally) and wrote to their help desk asking if I was doing something wrong! Won’t continue if that’s the case. Although not sure where else to go really!robmatic wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 12:27 pm
This applies to a certain genre of rugby journalist as well. The Guardian has literally zero coverage of non-Premiership club rugby: they devote more time to covering Newcastle than they do to covering the entirety of professional rugby in Scotland and Wales, which is poor for a British newspaper.
I am generally bullish about the URC but I think we have to admit that the Welsh teams and Zebre drag the quality level down a bit. The top half of the table is very competitive though and there is a genuine contest around qualifying for the playoffs and for Europe which is lacking in the Premiership.
Although the walrus is safely behind one, so they do have some positive uses
The guardian do ok for cricket but theyr not great for either football or rugby. I used to read Brian Moore's articles in the telegraph (about all it was good for) but can't honestly say if the Scotland coverage is any better
In the sense that in my view the quality of teams, players and gameplay are all poorer. I actively watch all three leagues (not something I am sure many viewers of either the Prem or Top14 can say) and I think the URC is substantially better quality than the English Prem. The Top14 is clearly the best league in Europe, but URC is the next best in my view. Sure, the bottom ranking URC teams are typically a bit rubbish (although right now the bottom four of the URC includes a Sharks team packed with world cup winners) but that is, as others have pointed out, true of the English Prem too.inactionman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:24 amIn what sense? The French league is very strong at the moment, but the URC is very, very mixed. I can't see how the English Premierships is actively poor in relation, except the finances which have never been right in the whole professional era. I've seen some utter dross in the URC, sadly generally involving Edinburgh, on too many occasions.KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:09 amI genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.clydecloggie wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 8:54 am
In England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.
I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.
(edited as I can't fecking type)
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 9:25 amIn the sense that in my view the quality of teams, players and gameplay are all poorer. I actively watch all three leagues (not something I am sure many viewers of either the Prem or Top14 can say) and I think the URC is substantially better quality than the English Prem. The Top14 is clearly the best league in Europe, but URC is the next best in my view. Sure, the bottom ranking URC teams are typically a bit rubbish (although right now the bottom four of the URC includes a Sharks team packed with world cup winners) but that is, as others have pointed out, true of the English Prem too.inactionman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:24 amIn what sense? The French league is very strong at the moment, but the URC is very, very mixed. I can't see how the English Premierships is actively poor in relation, except the finances which have never been right in the whole professional era. I've seen some utter dross in the URC, sadly generally involving Edinburgh, on too many occasions.KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:09 am
I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.
I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.
(edited as I can't fecking type)
In what sense do you think differently?
Obviously not played against Saints or Quins then!Tichtheid wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 9:38 amKingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 9:25 amIn the sense that in my view the quality of teams, players and gameplay are all poorer. I actively watch all three leagues (not something I am sure many viewers of either the Prem or Top14 can say) and I think the URC is substantially better quality than the English Prem. The Top14 is clearly the best league in Europe, but URC is the next best in my view. Sure, the bottom ranking URC teams are typically a bit rubbish (although right now the bottom four of the URC includes a Sharks team packed with world cup winners) but that is, as others have pointed out, true of the English Prem too.inactionman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:24 am
In what sense? The French league is very strong at the moment, but the URC is very, very mixed. I can't see how the English Premierships is actively poor in relation, except the finances which have never been right in the whole professional era. I've seen some utter dross in the URC, sadly generally involving Edinburgh, on too many occasions.
(edited as I can't fecking type)
In what sense do you think differently?
Speaking to dpedin's point about the Weedgie board being a good source of news - many of the posters there collate news items from across t'internet - there was a link to the Newcastle programme for Friday's game and it contained an interview with Tom Gordon. He thinks the Premiership is markedly slower than the URC, having current and very recent experience of both.
I saw that and thought it a bit of a weird point, just because it didn’t really stack up against what I watch all too well (I’ve thought the same when guys went to France and said similar). In Gordon’s case I did wonder if his view said more about the teams he’d played for in both competitions than the competitions themselves tbh.Tichtheid wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 9:38 amKingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 9:25 amIn the sense that in my view the quality of teams, players and gameplay are all poorer. I actively watch all three leagues (not something I am sure many viewers of either the Prem or Top14 can say) and I think the URC is substantially better quality than the English Prem. The Top14 is clearly the best league in Europe, but URC is the next best in my view. Sure, the bottom ranking URC teams are typically a bit rubbish (although right now the bottom four of the URC includes a Sharks team packed with world cup winners) but that is, as others have pointed out, true of the English Prem too.inactionman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:24 am
In what sense? The French league is very strong at the moment, but the URC is very, very mixed. I can't see how the English Premierships is actively poor in relation, except the finances which have never been right in the whole professional era. I've seen some utter dross in the URC, sadly generally involving Edinburgh, on too many occasions.
(edited as I can't fecking type)
In what sense do you think differently?
Speaking to dpedin's point about the Weedgie board being a good source of news - many of the posters there collate news items from across t'internet - there was a link to the Newcastle programme for Friday's game and it contained an interview with Tom Gordon. He thinks the Premiership is markedly slower than the URC, having current and very recent experience of both.
The English Premiership has 8 teams who, on any given day, can beat any of the others - it's only Gloucester and the woefully under-resourced Newcastle* who struggle. The games I've watched in the URC can be very disjointed - although admittedly the Welsh teams don't really help matters there, I've watched a lot of blowouts that haven't demonstrated particular competence or quality.KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 9:25 amIn the sense that in my view the quality of teams, players and gameplay are all poorer. I actively watch all three leagues (not something I am sure many viewers of either the Prem or Top14 can say) and I think the URC is substantially better quality than the English Prem. The Top14 is clearly the best league in Europe, but URC is the next best in my view. Sure, the bottom ranking URC teams are typically a bit rubbish (although right now the bottom four of the URC includes a Sharks team packed with world cup winners) but that is, as others have pointed out, true of the English Prem too.inactionman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:24 amIn what sense? The French league is very strong at the moment, but the URC is very, very mixed. I can't see how the English Premierships is actively poor in relation, except the finances which have never been right in the whole professional era. I've seen some utter dross in the URC, sadly generally involving Edinburgh, on too many occasions.KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:09 am
I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.
I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.
(edited as I can't fecking type)
In what sense do you think differently?
Simian wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 9:46 am
I saw that and thought it a bit of a weird point, just because it didn’t really stack up against what I watch all too well (I’ve thought the same when guys went to France and said similar). In Gordon’s case I did wonder if his view said more about the teams he’d played for in both competitions than the competitions themselves tbh.
It was teams he’d played for (not against) in the two competitions I was meaning.Tichtheid wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 10:35 amSimian wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 9:46 am
I saw that and thought it a bit of a weird point, just because it didn’t really stack up against what I watch all too well (I’ve thought the same when guys went to France and said similar). In Gordon’s case I did wonder if his view said more about the teams he’d played for in both competitions than the competitions themselves tbh.
Maybe, Newcastle have played Bristol, Harlequins, Leicester, Sale and Exeter.
It's a subject to which I've not really given too much thought. I try to watch all three leagues and I enjoy them all, though the Top 14 can be really turgid at times and the lower half of the URC is filled with clubs that are a bit pish, including Edinburgh, same can be said of the GP
A link will be sent to your inbox in the morning!Lancaster might be a bolter. Getting game time at Racing 92 and Townsend might want a closer look.I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2024 8:36 am Scotland squad being announced tomorrow apparently, I wonder if we'll see any shocks who nobody knows is SQ.
My main questions would be:
Do any of Hastings, Thompson, Healy get in the squad? Does Burke throw his hat in the ring. Russell and Jordan will be there, who else.
Surely Sykes will get a call up? Does Jonny Gray come in after becoming a regular at Bordeaux?
Speaking of the Grays anyone from Japan?
Does Mosese get in the national squad or just the A team? And how strong will the A team be.
Tight head situation will be rough, who else could there be?
Hookers - Harrison or Hiddlestone? To come in with Ashman and Matthews I presume.
I suspect there might be a surprise SQ or two. We know they are out there.I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2024 8:36 am Scotland squad being announced tomorrow apparently, I wonder if we'll see any shocks who nobody knows is SQ.
My main questions would be:
Do any of Hastings, Thompson, Healy get in the squad? Does Burke throw his hat in the ring. Russell and Jordan will be there, who else.
Surely Sykes will get a call up? Does Jonny Gray come in after becoming a regular at Bordeaux?
Speaking of the Grays anyone from Japan?
Does Mosese get in the national squad or just the A team? And how strong will the A team be.
Tight head situation will be rough, who else could there be?
Hookers - Harrison or Hiddlestone? To come in with Ashman and Matthews I presume.
I'd be surprised, bounced around amateur and semi pro rugby until his dad signed him. Screams of nepotism.Big D wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2024 8:52 amLancaster might be a bolter. Getting game time at Racing 92 and Townsend might want a closer look.I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2024 8:36 am Scotland squad being announced tomorrow apparently, I wonder if we'll see any shocks who nobody knows is SQ.
My main questions would be:
Do any of Hastings, Thompson, Healy get in the squad? Does Burke throw his hat in the ring. Russell and Jordan will be there, who else.
Surely Sykes will get a call up? Does Jonny Gray come in after becoming a regular at Bordeaux?
Speaking of the Grays anyone from Japan?
Does Mosese get in the national squad or just the A team? And how strong will the A team be.
Tight head situation will be rough, who else could there be?
Hookers - Harrison or Hiddlestone? To come in with Ashman and Matthews I presume.