Rugby

Crackin game, Wales deserved the win and matched SA in all areas - although SA were way off par

still, just about as many English born players in the England team...

Really? Only two in the starting line-up born outside England, both of whom grew up and went to school in England. Come on, you can do better than that...

Robbed

absolutely, the worst way to lose a match like that. gutting to see the team that played better come out worse.

south africa is a country where the white minority is outnumbered by about ten to one. rugby has often been the reserve of the privileged minorities, it would appear little has changed.

NZ has a similar Maori to white ratio but the other way around.. Something like 1 in 10. The percentage of Maori pro rugby players is much higher. Are the kiwis therefore not representative of NZ because they don't have more white players?

i don't think you can compare the two - SA has the legacy of 45 years of state sponsored oppression during which non-white players were forbidden from representing their country. sadly it would appear that since the dismantling of the regime, there seems to be continued resistance to any sort of integration into what is still ostensibly thought of as a 'white mans game'.

i spose it could also be argued that the team such as it is, is in fact more representative of the country at large, considering the continued social and economic inequalities the majority of citizens continue to experience despite the fall of the regime.

/hey ho - i don't want to ruin anyones enjoyment of the WC with anymore pontificating ;)

I've just been reminded that I agreed while drunk to play 2nd row for our 3's this season. might try training this Wednesday. Feel a bit odd. It was only a few seasons ago that I was propping for the 1sts, how the mighty have fallen. Hope I don't shatter into a million pieces at the first sign of contact.

We also have a new website, no player profile for me yet but I am in 2 of the front page photos (it would seem we don't have that many photos).

Old Alleynians

I have played on the Wing for the OA 3rds, once, after a brake of 10 years. It hurt.

The 3's are now where our 2's were a few years ago. I propped for the 2's then and we walked that league. Should be ok, just had more injuries in the last 2 years than I have ever had in 20 years of playing.

Wales were hard done by, they had that game by the throat and didn't squeeze tight enough. couple of missed opportunities and south Africa hit them with their only bit of pressure in the 2nd half. Phillips was really aggravating me with his desire to boss each and every ruck, then spend ages telling his forwards where to line up, then slinging it to the nearest one, them having their charge cut off at the knees, only to repeat the whole process until the attack stagnated...

England reverted to type and until Youngs the replacement scrum half came on were working off a lot of slow ball, which was just kicked to the corners. Don't have much confidence in them pushing on in the tournament really.

Didn't see any of the other big nations apart from NZ, who can't win for winning, if they win badly, they're not upto scratch, if they win big, the opponents aren't good enough. Really want them to win, but fear the pressure will be too much, we shall see.

I have played on the Wing for the OA 3rds, once, after a brake of 10 years. It hurt.

do you remember any of the guys on the team?

might try training this Wednesday.

ouch

I've just been reminded that I agreed while drunk to play 2nd row for our 3's this season. might try training this Wednesday. Feel a bit odd. It was only a few seasons ago that I was propping for the 1sts, how the mighty have fallen. Hope I don't shatter into a million pieces at the first sign of contact.

We also have a new website, no player profile for me yet but I am in 2 of the front page photos (it would seem we don't have that many photos).

Old Alleynians

My ex Mrs's Dad was captain for them in the late 70's/early 80's

Name? He's probably still involved.

it's a much different club now, the change even in the last 5 years is shocking. When I joined I was regularly running out for the 1's, now I'm worried I'll be ok for the 3's (granted I'm not 24 anymore and have had a run of injuries but still..) some of the guys at training tonight were just machines.

might watch London Nigerians vs HAC today.. LN hosted our charity sevens comp this summer (great club and fine players).. HAC is a venue i've longed to play at. it'll be our 10th year in 2012, need to get their hire costs down and promote 'help for heroes' wish me luck with negotiations

impressive victory for the bokkies this morning.. hoping ireland can stick it to the aussies
(sorry cuz)

Name? He's probably still involved.

it's a much different club now, the change even in the last 5 years is shocking. When I joined I was regularly running out for the 1's, now I'm worried I'll be ok for the 3's (granted I'm not 24 anymore and have had a run of injuries but still..) some of the guys at training tonight were just machines.

Roger Smith

Come on Ireland!

it's a long way from tipparary..

WTF is wrong with ITV player? They should be banned from broadcasting any sport. Come on Ireland!

The boy's been glued to the screen since KO!

brilliant graham :))

stay focused ireland.. we know you are well up for this and you have local support :)

i need some vitamin G right now..

great effort by ireland.. they have belief
and no one wants to let down paul o'connell
in the pack..

need to kick better though
o'gara on methinks, second half

Australia starting to crack? Looks like a tasty last 30 minutes.

despite all of aussies flare and pace, so many errors.. their body language says alot..
irish need more points though..

That should be enough now...