Search found 20343 matches

by Auckman
Sun Jul 06, 2025 7:58 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Qualification process & draw for RWC 2027
Replies: 72
Views: 9240

Re: Qualification process & draw for RWC 2027

I understand there is a whole section of HK society who are ethnically european but consider themselves Hong Kong nationals --- or something like that. HK of this parish (and chief mod for so many years) explained it several years ago.
by Auckman
Sun Jul 06, 2025 12:32 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance
Replies: 772
Views: 10849

Re: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance

Well played NZ. Great match for a neutral to watch. France put up a good fight for the full 80. They are a very strong side even with some of their best players missing so it was never going to be a walkover. What I didn't like was all the booing of the ref for giving technically correct decisions ...
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:24 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Match 4: NSW Waratahs v B&I Lions
Replies: 614
Views: 5465

Re: Match 4: NSW Waratahs v B&I Lions

The crowd cheering Johnny Howard must have really triggered mattheexpat I remember Howard used to wear Wallaby jumpers/jackets on his early morning walks. This was in the early 2000s. Good rugby man. I'd imagine most of the PMs we've had since then had no interest in rugby or Leaguies, apart from A...
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:19 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance
Replies: 772
Views: 10849

Re: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance

Initial impression: Shite but it’s the first test of the year so I’ll wait til next week to ride my outrage horse to town. 1. The forwards were soft in contact and the French defence was physically dominant there (hats off to them; they were excellent on D). Stunted any ability to get clean ball. 2....
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:06 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Match 4: NSW Waratahs v B&I Lions
Replies: 614
Views: 5465

Re: Match 4: NSW Waratahs v B&I Lions

The Tahs incompetence in the last 20 minutes is something to behold. That match was there for the taking.
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:04 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: IT'S TIME TO PICK ON Rieko AGAIN.
Replies: 683
Views: 54473

Re: IT'S TIME TO PICK ON Rieko AGAIN.

Proctor was a lightweight out there. Even blew his own try! One or two regulation passes as part of moves isn’t anything to hail the great shite hope. Tupaea was far more assured at centre and he’s not even a centre. I believe if they’re going to go for kick kickity box kicks in the first 20 minutes...
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:57 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance
Replies: 772
Views: 10849

Re: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance

BlueThunder wrote: Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:56 am I would prefer Clarke under those Roigard box kicks.
Exactly. Clarke lives for high kicks.
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:52 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance
Replies: 772
Views: 10849

Re: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance

Proctor woefully inept on defence; one good pass. Give him ten more minutes after halftime I say.
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:42 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance
Replies: 772
Views: 10849

Re: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance

i shall gracefully wait until halftime before I say anything about Proctor 8)
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:39 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance
Replies: 772
Views: 10849

Re: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance

who is our first five at the moment? Is it DMac or BB?
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:28 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance
Replies: 772
Views: 10849

Re: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance

Looks like we need a defensive general in midfield 8)
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:23 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance
Replies: 772
Views: 10849

Re: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance

CrazyIslander wrote: Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:17 am Seems the talk of a weak team has fired the French.
I for one thought even a second string side would be tough
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 7:30 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Match Thread - Maori ABs Vs Scotland Saturday 5 July
Replies: 52
Views: 1437

Re: Match Thread - Maori ABs Vs Scotland Saturday 5 July

Well that was shite from the MAB. Kicking game far superior with the Scots. They're going to destroy the depleted Samoan side in two weeks. They'll beat Fiji next week too although likely closer than the samoa match.
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 7:27 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Julian McMahon goooonnnnne
Replies: 12
Views: 1137

Re: Julian McMahon goooonnnnne

wamberal wrote: Sat Jul 05, 2025 2:38 am
Auckman wrote: Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:01 am
Grandpa wrote: Fri Jul 04, 2025 11:33 pm

Pretty big.. he was Prime Minister.
Yes he looked north of six foot
Billy McMahon was 1.70.
A giant among his men.
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 7:26 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance
Replies: 772
Views: 10849

Re: ALL BLACKS V France C 1st Test. Match Thread.. Theo will be in attendance

Old Zealander Fabian Holland has a mostly kiwi accent. Not a poach.
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:29 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Match Thread - Maori ABs Vs Scotland Saturday 5 July
Replies: 52
Views: 1437

Re: Match Thread - Maori ABs Vs Scotland Saturday 5 July

TEDS wrote: Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:13 am
Auckman wrote: Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:09 am
Bastard Stan isn't showing the Black Ferns v BFXVs match over here. :x
Bugger. Is it on NZR+ or is it sky sports in NZ?
it's live on Sky in NZ but only highlights offered on NZR+ (which I can access but not live)
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:09 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Match Thread - Maori ABs Vs Scotland Saturday 5 July
Replies: 52
Views: 1437

Re: Match Thread - Maori ABs Vs Scotland Saturday 5 July

On Saturday, if you're so inclined, you'll be able to go from NZ U20s vs Georgia U20s into Black Ferns vs Black Ferns XV into Maori All Blacks vs Scotland into All Blacks vs France. Salivating at the prospect, supplemented by the tantalsing idea of watching the live stream of Ozzy/Black Sabbath's f...
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:07 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Match Thread - Maori ABs Vs Scotland Saturday 5 July
Replies: 52
Views: 1437

Re: Match Thread - Maori ABs Vs Scotland Saturday 5 July

Edinburgh01 wrote: Fri Jul 04, 2025 9:21 am Just noticed Cole Forbes, ex of Glasgow in the Maori.
Good player for the Blues. Nothing snazzy but very competent from the back.
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:04 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Welcome to Country - what's going on?
Replies: 164
Views: 3444

Re: The Welcome to Country - what's going on?

mrbrownstone wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 4:58 am
Slim 293 wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 4:37 am
Pat the Ex Mat wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 4:34 am

To be fair, you could easily see him, and a million clones of him at any Rugby Club in Oz :lol:

If I run the bottom of that photo through Photoshop's AI I'm definitely getting a slender pair of chinos and some RM Williams... :nod:
:lol:
:lol:
by Auckman
Sat Jul 05, 2025 1:01 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Julian McMahon goooonnnnne
Replies: 12
Views: 1137

Re: Julian McMahon goooonnnnne

Grandpa wrote: Fri Jul 04, 2025 11:33 pm
Winnie wrote: Fri Jul 04, 2025 11:31 pm
Grandpa wrote: Fri Jul 04, 2025 11:30 pm So young.. I only remember him from Home and Away.
He was a handsome bastard
Wasn’t his dad big in Australian politics?
Pretty big.. he was Prime Minister.
Yes he looked north of six foot
by Auckman
Fri Jul 04, 2025 9:28 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Welcome to Country - what's going on?
Replies: 164
Views: 3444

Re: The Welcome to Country - what's going on?

I had to think long and hard before I typed 'New Plymouth' and 'major city' in the same sentence.
by Auckman
Fri Jul 04, 2025 8:39 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Welcome to Country - what's going on?
Replies: 164
Views: 3444

Re: The Welcome to Country - what's going on?

One look at the pretty miserable west coast of NZ compared to the relatively nice east coast might have put Polynesians off from going further west. For example, there is no major city on the west coast of NZ except New Plymouth. Even Auckland is built facing the east.
by Auckman
Fri Jul 04, 2025 7:54 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: China to Save Pacific Rugby from NRL
Replies: 40
Views: 1501

Re: China to Save Pacific Rugby from NRL

China has thus far not committed to funding rugby teams in the Pacific. That is totally an Australian thing at the moment. However, China has been known to build stadiums though. If a certain political party wins the Samoan snap election coming up in August, the little birds are saying they're going...
by Auckman
Fri Jul 04, 2025 1:04 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Match Thread - Maori ABs Vs Scotland Saturday 5 July
Replies: 52
Views: 1437

Re: Match Thread - Maori ABs Vs Scotland Saturday 5 July

Good match. NZM left it until late in the match to get over Japan last week. All the Scottish stars are in Australia at the moment so not too familiar with the Scotland team.
by Auckman
Thu Jul 03, 2025 4:01 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Match 3: Queensland Reds v B&I Lions - OFFICIAL!
Replies: 500
Views: 10416

Re: Match 3: Queensland Reds v B&I Lions - OFFICIAL!

Was a bit disappointed with the atmosphere at the ground last night. None of the singing and carrying on from the Lions that I remember from the 2001 tour. Maybe it'll be different for the tests. It’s only the oldies in attendance at present. The younger poverty-stricken but noisier fans will arriv...
by Auckman
Thu Jul 03, 2025 3:55 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Welcome to Country - what's going on?
Replies: 164
Views: 3444

Re: The Welcome to Country - what's going on?

Our big monthly regional meetings at work start with an AoC. I don’t think anyone cares. It’s just a short formality. I did one a few years ago though when mc’ing a conference. Had to go research the tribal nations of Western Sydney and Brisbane. I found it very interesting. I found out why certain ...
by Auckman
Thu Jul 03, 2025 3:38 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ Women’s Rugby Catchall Thread
Replies: 583
Views: 157150

Re: NZ Women’s Rugby Catchall Thread

Hooker Luka Connor has a chance to force her way into World Cup contention because the BF lineout has been inconsistent this year. None of the BF squaddies have performed particularly well at lineout time. In fact all the front rowers spots are contestable. None of the BF newbies have nailed down sp...
by Auckman
Wed Jul 02, 2025 11:10 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ Women’s Rugby Catchall Thread
Replies: 583
Views: 157150

Re: NZ Women’s Rugby Catchall Thread

This is essentially the big trial of the year. Probables v possibles. They really need to have three of these matches. I wouldn’t be surprised if brawls erupt in this match :nod:
by Auckman
Wed Jul 02, 2025 11:07 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ Women’s Rugby Catchall Thread
Replies: 583
Views: 157150

Re: NZ Women’s Rugby Catchall Thread

Teams announced

Image
by Auckman
Wed Jul 02, 2025 10:57 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Match 3: Queensland Reds v B&I Lions - OFFICIAL!
Replies: 500
Views: 10416

Re: Match 3: Queensland Reds v B&I Lions - OFFICIAL!

I thought the Welsh guy played really well and should probably start the first test.
by Auckman
Wed Jul 02, 2025 2:50 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ Women’s Rugby Catchall Thread
Replies: 583
Views: 157150

Re: NZ Women’s Rugby Catchall Thread

Look forward to seeing the XV in action. Might still get tonked with the 7s players in the BF15s squad. Those with asterisks here are also in the BF15s squad.

Last chance saloon for Ruby Tui, Krystal Murray, Luka Connor and Lucy Jenkins methinks.
Image
by Auckman
Tue Jul 01, 2025 8:01 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Rugby's New Experiment of Backs replacing forwards.
Replies: 30
Views: 1318

Re: Rugby's New Experiment of Backs replacing forwards.

Grandpa wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 9:45 am Sean Fitzpatrick
In quite a few matches, he was also assistant ref.
by Auckman
Tue Jul 01, 2025 8:50 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ Women’s Rugby Catchall Thread
Replies: 583
Views: 157150

Re: NZ Women’s Rugby Catchall Thread

Time is running out for Ruby Tui. Surely she’ll be in the NZ XV squad. As will be Taufa Bason.
by Auckman
Tue Jul 01, 2025 8:45 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NZ Women’s Rugby Catchall Thread
Replies: 583
Views: 157150

Re: NZ Women’s Rugby Catchall Thread

5 July - v BF XV
12 July - v Australia

Image

Renee Holmes returns to the squad (for Mererangi Paul - injured)

Some newbies come in for the injured KOB and Tukuafu. Good to see Bayfield in there. They need depth at lock.
by Auckman
Tue Jul 01, 2025 7:28 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The state of the NZRU..
Replies: 643
Views: 85325

Re: The state of the NZRU..

Some great games on this weekend. I’ll be watching them all, although the U20s I’ll watch on replay.

Image
by Auckman
Mon Jun 30, 2025 10:23 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: IRB U20 World Cup 2025
Replies: 449
Views: 11620

Re: IRB U20 World Cup 2025

booze wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 10:02 am
Auckman wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 8:26 am I thought the SA/AUS result was a piss take online but it’s true! Wow that’s a big difference from the RC results
Also, Nz put 50 points on the boks in the TRC.

Nz now look to be as bad as Aus u20 based on the Italian game
NZ drew with Australia too in the RC