Search found 2924 matches

by merlin the happy pig
Wed Mar 27, 2024 9:15 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ Politics Thread
Replies: 51879
Views: 3454659

Re: NZ Politics Thread

I think it was Aristotle that said "give me a child until he is 7 and I will show you the man". There is plenty of empirical evidence showing the impact of quality ECE education on cognitive, language and motor skills, in addition to social and emotional skills. A suitably qualified teacher utilisi...
by merlin the happy pig
Wed Mar 27, 2024 1:09 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ Politics Thread
Replies: 51879
Views: 3454659

Re: NZ Politics Thread

ECE Education; Early Childhood Centres have always been rated as first and second class......First Class ....Kindergartens (MOE Centres)...and Second class the Rest (Community, Religious, Privately Run). The main difference between daycare and kindergarten is that you can enrol your child into dayc...
by merlin the happy pig
Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:27 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Sail GP in Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch, NZ
Replies: 120
Views: 2126

Re: Sail GP in Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch, NZ

Or you could just not hold it in a marine mammal sanctuary at the time when said mammals are most in abundance there. I really despair over the absolutely entitled attitude being displayed in the last 6 months in NZ. Who is acting entitled here? We (us kiwis) have been given an opportunity to host ...
by merlin the happy pig
Tue Mar 26, 2024 2:27 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Sail GP in Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch, NZ
Replies: 120
Views: 2126

Re: Sail GP in Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch, NZ

The dolphins earn a shitload more money for the region than the boats, that is for sure. I thought the capitalists amongst us would applaud the enforcing of the rules. Were the dolphins in any real danger? This is a truly global event, watched by millions around the world, the exposure for NZ would...
by merlin the happy pig
Tue Mar 19, 2024 3:00 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ Politics Thread
Replies: 51879
Views: 3454659

Re: NZ Politics Thread

Sounds like the National Party accidentally voted for a Labour amendment to reduce the RUC charges for Electric/Petrol hybrids. Not the worst mistake to make as the amendment makes some logical sense when those hybrids would be paying two taxes compared to Diesel or Electric vehicles, but still. Al...
by merlin the happy pig
Sun Mar 17, 2024 9:36 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ Politics Thread
Replies: 51879
Views: 3454659

Re: NZ Politics Thread

This prayer directly opposes our Christian God. I thought Islam and Christianity worship the same god it's just the role of the prophets and Jesus Christ i.e. he is a prophet but not the son of God, where they differ? Well Protestants and Catholics did as well so.. As John Cleese once said (with al...
by merlin the happy pig
Sat Mar 02, 2024 6:12 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Jaguares back in Super Rugby
Replies: 68
Views: 5145

Re: Jaguares back in Super Rugby

I think a better solution would be to scrap Super Rugby and instead elevate the NPC - have the 4 or 5 Oz teams join that. Not a bad solution. It would definitely dilute the talent between the 14 NZ teams. But 14 NZ teams vs 4 - 5 australian teams is hardly fair from an outside perspective. If all c...
by merlin the happy pig
Tue Feb 20, 2024 11:37 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Pie Makers of Auckland
Replies: 134
Views: 10386

Re: Pie Makers of Auckland

So that you don't have to, I'm exploring the bakery/artisan pies of Auckland. No need to thank me. Pie Fee in K Rd, a couple of hundred metres west of Pitt Street, its chefs appear to be of Asian heritage, perhaps Pinoy, gave me my first introduction to a really good Beef Rendang pie. A full bodied...
by merlin the happy pig
Wed Feb 14, 2024 8:53 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ Politics Thread
Replies: 51879
Views: 3454659

Re: NZ Politics Thread

None of this surprises me. NCEA doesn't gear up school leavers to succeed at university. If a school near me was offering Cambridge or IB, then I'd send my kids there. Can you please tell me why you don’t think NCEA sets high school students up for Uni? I’m not being provocative just keen to hear y...
by merlin the happy pig
Fri Feb 02, 2024 12:30 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ Politics Thread
Replies: 51879
Views: 3454659

Re: NZ Politics Thread

Well those that are concerned about the environment but are more centrist in their politics can't bring themselves to vote for a party of far left loons (and shoplifters). And similarly those who only want to play less tax but are more socially progressive might not be able to bring themselves to v...
by merlin the happy pig
Mon Jan 08, 2024 9:20 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Elon Musk - buying power
Replies: 2076
Views: 86621

Re: Elon Musk - buying power

Duff Paddy wrote: Wed Dec 20, 2023 10:35 pm
Well I’d certainly put my and my family’s safety in the hands of a reasonable person like Elon Musk
The front fell off
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m5qxZm_JqM
by merlin the happy pig
Sat Dec 23, 2023 9:30 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: War in Ukraine...
Replies: 53166
Views: 2309528

Re: War in Ukraine...

https://twitter.com/Tendar/status/1737811189306970508?t=w7L3GpwAV36s0FCeqbTh9w&s=19 To say that Germany isn't suffering from lack of cheap Russian gas just because gas reserves remain high is a very narrow view of the situation Yes, there are no gas shortages for ordinary people, which was the big ...
by merlin the happy pig
Wed Dec 20, 2023 7:48 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Which was the best RWC final?
Replies: 37
Views: 4228

Re: Which was the best RWC final?

2015 had the best rugby by a large margin, maybe lacked a little tension though.
2003 next, even though I detested English Rugby in general and Woodward in particular.
by merlin the happy pig
Wed Dec 13, 2023 10:51 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: All Blacks 2024
Replies: 831
Views: 61217

Re: All Blacks 2024

Caleb Clarke got my hopes up. All Black Caleb Clarke to train with South Sydney Rabbitohs https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/133437495/all-black-caleb-clarke-to-train-with-south-sydney-rabbitohs However, if it improves him significantly beyond where he's currently at, all power to him. He might m...
by merlin the happy pig
Tue Dec 05, 2023 9:45 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Israel declares state of war
Replies: 8583
Views: 269893

Re: Israel declares state of war

“Imagine believing the casualty figures provided by a terrorist organisation. “ Indeed. An interesting thread explaining why skepticism is warranted. https://twitter.com/Aizenberg55/status/1731753062622982386 ah well "Aizenberg55".....so Israel is bombing the sh1t out of a densely populated area of...
by merlin the happy pig
Thu Nov 30, 2023 10:39 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Is it time NZ adopted the Giteau law ?
Replies: 82
Views: 4489

Re: Is it time NZ adopted the Giteau law ?

I’ve never liked the idea and still don’t. We need NZ rugby to be as strong as possible and I don’t see how that can happen with our best playing somewhere else. Although I am open minded about players moving to Aussie Soup teams and still being eligible. This, In fact eligible from any super rugby...
by merlin the happy pig
Fri Nov 17, 2023 5:52 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Israel declares state of war
Replies: 8583
Views: 269893

Re: Israel declares state of war

Allegedly Bibi had a deal for release of 50 hostages. He didn’t take it. https://twitter.com/YairWallach/status/1725103568032567706 Yeah I read that . If true , and it remains an if … That’s some cold (seriously cynical) shit . Probably just a calculation that a ceasefire will give Hamas time to re...
by merlin the happy pig
Mon Oct 30, 2023 7:53 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Is this the end of Rugby?
Replies: 415
Views: 12672

Re: Is this the end of Rugby?

I don’t think it’s the end but there are serious issues to be addressed. 1. Scrums as a penalty machine. 2. Ball in play time. 3. TMO interjection, although this is tricky because people wail off there are calls missed. 4. Fatigue needs to be a factor to drop player weights. This is no longer a gam...
by merlin the happy pig
Fri Oct 27, 2023 3:50 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: 2023 Rugby World Cup Final Match Thread - NZ Vs South Africa
Replies: 2845
Views: 45699

Re: 2023 Rugby World Cup Final Match Thread - NZ Vs South Africa

Would love to see the ABs use Jordie to chase bombs, not just defuse them. 6' 5" he has to have a huge advantage over all of the SA back three. Even if they put up midfield bombs for him to chase, I know it's more cluttered in the midfield but it would be worth a shot and might even be good for mil...
by merlin the happy pig
Thu Oct 26, 2023 11:39 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: 2023 Rugby World Cup Final Match Thread - NZ Vs South Africa
Replies: 2845
Views: 45699

Re: 2023 Rugby World Cup Final Match Thread - NZ Vs South Africa

Would love to see the ABs use Jordie to chase bombs, not just defuse them. 6' 5" he has to have a huge advantage over all of the SA back three. Even if they put up midfield bombs for him to chase, I know it's more cluttered in the midfield but it would be worth a shot and might even be good for milk...
by merlin the happy pig
Thu Oct 26, 2023 5:10 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: 2023 Rugby World Cup Final Match Thread - NZ Vs South Africa
Replies: 2845
Views: 45699

Re: 2023 Rugby World Cup Final Match Thread - NZ Vs South Africa

You want Coles on the bench, his last ever game a world cup final. Not only does he deserve it, you want experience. Agreed. I’d have Coles on the bench. Samisoni's lineout throwing has been off target for a while. Real shame because his work around the park has stepped up in the last few weeks. He...
by merlin the happy pig
Sun Oct 22, 2023 4:14 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: 2023 Rugby World Cup Final Match Thread - NZ Vs South Africa
Replies: 2845
Views: 45699

Re: 2023 Rugby World Cup Final Match Thread - NZ Vs South Africa

England worked out the weakness of the Boks wingers. Kick high balls to them. yeah they were surprisingly bad in the air, given kicking and kick/chase has long been such a key part of the Spingboks's gameplan. Perhaps it was the rain. But I think they're just small to be comfortable in a contested ...
by merlin the happy pig
Sat Oct 21, 2023 8:36 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Official Bunnings Warehouse NPC 2023
Replies: 680
Views: 20165

Re: Official Bunnings Warehouse NPC 2023

Just watched the highlights.
Great game, great tries.
Congratulations the Naki 👍
by merlin the happy pig
Sat Oct 21, 2023 7:19 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: All Blacks V Los Pumas. RWC 2023 Semi Final thread.
Replies: 1387
Views: 23394

Re: All Blacks V Los Pumas. RWC 2023 Semi Final thread.

The ABs attacking pattern is simplicity itself and quite different to most of the other top sides. The forwards take the ball flat and with hardly any pace. They then put a step on the defender to try to make a meter, then rinse and repeat until someone makes a defensive error. This is quite differe...
by merlin the happy pig
Tue Oct 17, 2023 10:59 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: All Blacks V Los Pumas. RWC 2023 Semi Final thread.
Replies: 1387
Views: 23394

Re: All Blacks V Los Pumas. RWC 2023 Semi Final thread.

I like Fainga'anuku, but Telea has been been one of our best backs the whole tournament.
Fainga'anuku looked like a donkey on Defense against Uruguay.
He has a lot of upside, mostly his business and physicality, but I don't think he has been any better than Telea, and not as consistent.
by merlin the happy pig
Tue Oct 17, 2023 12:11 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The RWC Finals Lounge.
Replies: 132
Views: 3484

Re: The RWC Finals Lounge.

Good post. Imagine if NZ wins the thing and cruiser Foster is known as RWC winning coach Ian Foster for the rest of his days. Arise Sir Ian… They hand those things out for anything these days. Practically giving them away in your cornflakes packet. What another knighthood? Where's my plastic car?
by merlin the happy pig
Mon Oct 16, 2023 11:17 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Is this the worst outcome for the World Cup?
Replies: 218
Views: 5161

Re: Is this the worst outcome for the World Cup?

I tend to think that it was the looooong time between games in the pool stage that made things boring - there's got to be a way to cut it down. Everyone took 33 man squads but plenty of players seemingly only got on the field for a few minutes the entire tournament. Also, I think a short, midweek P...
by merlin the happy pig
Mon Oct 16, 2023 2:45 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ v Ireland RWC Quarter Final Thread..
Replies: 4147
Views: 80652

Re: NZ v Ireland RWC Quarter Final Thread..

Was there an explanation as to why jordie took over the kicking after Mounga started goal kicking? Fozzie asked the waterboy to ask Cane to ask Richie to hand the tee to Jordie because he wants to create competition. Which obviously led to Richie getting so mad he took the line on during the next l...
by merlin the happy pig
Sun Oct 15, 2023 10:06 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: QF 4 - France vs South Africa - Sunday 15 October 23
Replies: 1384
Views: 23917

Re: QF 4 - France vs South Africa - Sunday 15 October 23

Da iawn diolch wrote: Sun Oct 15, 2023 10:03 pm
Theflier wrote: Sun Oct 15, 2023 9:56 pm Bent f*cking kiwi plum, 4 breakdowns at the end he told sa to stop what they were doing you're not a f**king coach you're a referee
It's the way of modern refereeing. Barnes did it to Ireland all night yesterday.
He did, it was infuriating
by merlin the happy pig
Sun Oct 15, 2023 10:05 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: QF 4 - France vs South Africa - Sunday 15 October 23
Replies: 1384
Views: 23917

Re: QF 4 - France vs South Africa - Sunday 15 October 23

Referee missed a lot on the ground preventing quick ball for France. He didn't miss it, he just shouted no a few times and the ball was slow by the time the defenders responded. All refs do it. They should shut the fudge up and penalise infringements. Agree with this. The players know full well the...
by merlin the happy pig
Sun Oct 15, 2023 2:28 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ v Ireland RWC Quarter Final Thread..
Replies: 4147
Views: 80652

Re: NZ v Ireland RWC Quarter Final Thread..

Ungracious winner hat, hope we don't see Barnes again. Penalty try was fine, but the rucks were a mess. I really thought the penalty leading up to the penalty try was totally incorrect. Whitelock won that penalty with any other ref. Yeah I was screaming at telly for that one, and one where was tryi...
by merlin the happy pig
Sun Oct 15, 2023 2:17 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Apologies Ireland. This was uncalled for
Replies: 76
Views: 2746

Re: I knew Ireland would choke

The Irish didn’t choke. That was a hard fought close game that could have gone either way. As inconsistent as we have been, the ABs still have a big game in them and they brought it today. This, it was a great game and the ABs had a fair bit to do with the result. There were some uncharacteristic I...
by merlin the happy pig
Sun Oct 15, 2023 12:33 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Congratulations New Zealand
Replies: 92
Views: 2049

Re: Congratulations New Zealand

fishooks15 wrote: Sat Oct 14, 2023 10:04 pm Well done Kiwis.

That hurts more than all the others I think.

If we had won it we would have won it with our backs to the wall.

Savea is on another planet
Classy, 👍much appreciated, my nerves still haven't recovered, might need to start drinking before midday.
by merlin the happy pig
Sun Oct 15, 2023 12:18 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ v Ireland RWC Quarter Final Thread..
Replies: 4147
Views: 80652

Re: NZ v Ireland RWC Quarter Final Thread..

Please explain this. Overloading the outside channels in defence, to avoid getting caught short by the loop. The lack of running threat at 10 allowed them to do it without too much risk. It just puts pressure on 9 and the blind wing to sweep. This, and protecting against the winger coming in agains...
by merlin the happy pig
Fri Oct 13, 2023 12:37 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Elon Musk in trouble with the EU
Replies: 70
Views: 2225

Re: Elon Musk in trouble with the EU

Hopefully we are about to find out. It’s difficult to over emphasis just how dim witted someone celebrating censorship by supra national unelected commissars actually is. AFAICT, accurate description Agree 100%. Musk may be a cvnt, but I have absolutely no faith in the ability of law enforcement to...
by merlin the happy pig
Thu Oct 12, 2023 7:55 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: anyone else mentally struggle in their 40's ?
Replies: 485
Views: 22645

Re: anyone else mentally struggle in their 40's ?

I was doing surfing for a while until my shoulders became too sore to paddle properly (and surfing is 90% paddling, or 100% as a beginner) There is nothing quite as soulful as the sun shimmering on an approaching peak and a good bunch of like minded people to share the experience with. As an aside, ...
by merlin the happy pig
Tue Oct 10, 2023 12:44 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Israel declares state of war
Replies: 8583
Views: 269893

Re: Israel declares state of war

Josh Power 🇺🇸 @JoshPower80 Israeli man says many children were murdered at a party. They were shot and killed, but then the terrorists came and stood over the children and fired multiple shots into their faces, after they were dead, making them unrecognizable. The man had to collect toothbrushes fr...
by merlin the happy pig
Mon Oct 09, 2023 4:09 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Israel declares state of war
Replies: 8583
Views: 269893

Re: Israel declares state of war

Indeed they didn't. So you are saying its ok to stick missiles into civilians if they fire at you frst? it is fine to fire missiles back to the same place that the ones that hit you came from Lesson1 don’t hide and shoot Using civilians as your shield You're addressing the killing of civilians, but...
by merlin the happy pig
Mon Oct 09, 2023 12:11 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Israel declares state of war
Replies: 8583
Views: 269893

Re: Israel declares state of war

Iran is all over this. This is less about the plight of the Palestinians (which is tragic and unforgivable btw) and all about Iran countering Saudi Arabia. The price is hundreds of Israeli lives and thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of Palestinian lives. Misery pit. Could you explain this plea...
by merlin the happy pig
Sun Oct 08, 2023 11:18 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Israel declares state of war
Replies: 8583
Views: 269893

Re: Israel declares state of war

Interesting that when Russia sticks missiles into Ukrainian cities, CNN says they are terrorists, yet when Israel does the same to Gaza it is retaliation. It is retaliation, and how exactly would you target Hamas when they hide amongst civilians? And quite obviously In the case of Russia it is corr...