Lost championship game of our division today to Kansas state today by 4 after they scored a try with 7 minutes left.
Not thrilled after driving 6 hours to play 3 minutes versus Truman State and then got passed over in selections for a guy with stitches when the whole front row was pulling for me.
In fact I am irate.
Also I shaved my head from the last pic so now my head is cold.
Ah, that sucks boogle. Your day will come.
Some news from the world of rugby.
'Pumas eager for new Sanzar challenge'
Former coach Marcelo Loffreda believes Argentina's top rugby players will be eager to be part of a thrilling new era with the Pumas' mooted addition to the southern hemisphere's Tri-Nations competition.Loffreda, who coached Argentina from 2000 to 2007 and steered them into the top echelon of world rugby, including a third-place finish in the last World Cup, said on Thursday that the chance of playing in such a high-class competition would ensure the Pumas had their best players available.
"It is really exciting for our country, a place in a Four Nations competition is what we have been asking for and it would be a big opportunity for us. I'm really looking forward to our national team taking preference and I'm sure we will attract our players back from Europe, they will be willing to sacrifice some money because Sanzar offers them a whole new dimension. And there is less opportunity now anyway for our players in Europe because their clubs are more concerned with local players," Loffreda said in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Last month, the International Rugby Board (IRB) approved $10 million in funding for the Tri-Nations governing body Sanzar (South Africa New Zealand Australia Rugby) to cover any shortfall from the Pumas joining the competition.
I'm also eager for this. I enjoy watching Argentina play, and some regular exposure to top flight rugby will be good for them and the game.
Jones slams extra Aussie Super team
Former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones on Thursday said an extra Australian team should not have been added to the Super rugby competition.The Melbourne Rebels are the new franchise named to play in the inaugural Super 15 next year, Sanzar (South Africa New Zealand Australia Rugby) having decided to expand the current Super 14 tournament.
But Jones, who coached the ACT Brumbies to the 2001 Super 12 title and also coached the Queensland Reds in the Super 14, said the Rebels should not have been included.
"The reason they're in is because of TV rights. The current 14-team competition is just starting to find its feet and this year is the most competitive it's been for a while, with eight or nine teams in contention. The addition of another Australian franchise is not good for Australian rugby nor for the competition," Jones told Reuters in Johannesburg on Thursday.
The man who steered the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final said the current four Australian franchises were trying to eke out quality players as it is.
"Another Australian side is just going to weaken the third and fourth teams. If you consider South Africa, they have a great number of players but can still only support four very good Super 14 sides. It's unrealistic for Australia to have five teams and it will be bad for Wallaby rugby in the short-term, for the next 10 to 15 years," Jones said.
Another coach I agree with. Union is too small in Australia to support another team, it's only going to damage Aussie rugby. And 15 teams is too many for the competition, it's too long and too grueling.
Thrilling game this evening between Leinster and Clermont Auvegne. Tough loss for Clermont. As a Leinster fan I have to admit that, but for Brock James poor kicking, Clermont should have won. James let his team down tonight and is developing the reputation as a big game choker. Hope cousin Rob's not too badly hurt as they'll miss him going forward.
Well, it's down to the French and the Irish for the Heineken Cup. Leinster v. Toulouse or Stade and Munster v. Biarritz.
The year was 1990, the event, the Currie Cup final. Favourites, the Blue Bulls were playing the little fancied Natal, a club in its centenary year that had never lifted the Cup. A late try snatched victory for the underdogs and Natal fans celebrated.
In the post match interview the Blue Bulls captain, Naas Botha, ever gracious said, 'It took them 100 years to win the cup, it will take 100 years to win it again.' And so was born one of the greatest and most bitter rivalries in Rugby Union.
-Personal anecdote, I was 10 and not much interested in rugby, but the winning team that year did a tour of every tiny town in Natal, including the 100 odd person town I lived in. I still have the full team's autographs on Ninja Turtle note paper, Donatello.-
Anyway, back to my point. Natal, now called The Sharks, play the Bulls this weekend. The Bulls need to win to try secure a home semi and, potential, final. The Sharks are pretty much out of it mathematically having lost their first 5 games, but they have won their last 5, bonus points will aid their campaign and may sneak them a semi.
But there is no love lost when these sides take the field and expect bodies everywhere. South African teams do not sit back and allow each other space in the interest of national pride. I suspect the Sharks will play hard, the Bulls may try be a bit more careful to prevent injuries.
Oh and there are another 12 teams playing in the Super 14 too.
The year was 1990, the event, the Currie Cup final. Favourites, the Blue Bulls were playing the little fancied Natal, a club in its centenary year that had never lifted the Cup. A late try snatched victory for the underdogs and Natal fans celebrated.
In the post match interview the Blue Bulls captain, Naas Botha, ever gracious said, 'It took them 100 years to win the cup, it will take 100 years to win it again.' And so was born one of the greatest and most bitter rivalries in Rugby Union.
So, is that why they called him nasty booter?
I'll be sure to PVR this one.
So, is that why they called him nasty booter?
Well that, and the fact that in a wet game where every other player would be covered in mud he would still be perfectly clean. If he got the ball he would kick it never run or take a hit to set up a ruck, it was the secret to the team's success, but made for boring games.
Hehehe, some things don't change much. But the Bulls have more variety now.
The game will either have the Sharks fighting for a bonus point win and running everything ala The Reds, or they are going to front up physically and hope the Bulls try avoid injuries with the semis close by. Either way should be a cracker, and me without a tv.
So my team didn't manage to down the Bulls, very sad, but good news for those who are hoping for two SA based semis, and potentially an all South African final.
Stormers beat the Crusaders, which was nice. The Crusaders face the Bulls at Loftus next weekend, so that should be an interesting one. I think the Bulls can do it. Stormers play the Sharks and I don't think we can beat them the way they are playing at the moment.
Stormers and Bulls are certain for the semis with Crusaders and Reds looking likely to be the other teams, although the Brumbies, Warratahs and Hurricanes are all in with a chance.
So our French exchange scrum half is a stand up guy.
Basically all the guys who helped him out at the start of the year got a prize package.
He has a cousin who works in the front office of the club U.S.DAX. We all got t-shirts and team posters signed by the whole team and the coaching staff.
That is very cool.
You managing to get any game time in yet, boogle?
tsk, tsk, tsk.
The one game where we half hope the Sharks lose and they play their game of the season. We pummeled the Stormers through most of the game and they (The Stormers) managed to salvage a last minute bonus point to guarantee a semi-final place. Unfortunately the brilliant Sharks performance helps out the filthy Bulls and guarantees them a first place finish on the log. This means a guaranteed home Semi and if they win that the home final.
Although 'home' is a relative term. The Bulls are locked out of Loftus as of this coming weekend thanks to the SWC, so their home games are in Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Stormers just need two beat the Bulls and get 4 points without a bonus to guarantee to get the home semi, word is the Bulls will rest a few key players for what is essentially a dead rubber for them, so the Stormers should be able to do it.
Waratahs, Brumbies, Hurricanes and Crusaders all are fighting for the remaining two spots. Waratahs are playing the Hurricanes and Crusaders are playing Brumbies both games on Friday, so those are high stakes ones.
So, last weekend of the 14 round robin games.
Bulls have a home semi and have fielded a 'B' team against the Stormers at Newlands. Aussie and NZ federations are squealing like pigs because the Bulls are 'giving the game away.' Of course, this ignores the inevitably bitter nature of a South African derby, and the bad blood between inland and coastal teams. This also ignores the fact that the Bulls 'B' Team is stronger than most 'A' teams. There are great players in the Bulls 'B' team, but they will probably lack cohesiveness.
Stormers need 2 points to guarantee a semi, a win will give them a home semi. They were made to look a bit ordinary against my Sharks last week, but that hasn't happened two weeks in a row this season. They have a good chance against the Bulls this week, but I'm not 100% confident.
Crusaders are in the Semis after beating the Brumbies 40-22 this morning. If the Stormers don't win, they are probably playing at home.
Waratahs are currently playing the Hurricanes, the winner gets a semi final spot. So after this game we will know who's in the semis. *edit* Waratahs 32 Hurricanes 16
The last game of the weekend is the Stormers Bulls game, so it will only be after that one that we know where the second Semi is.
There are a few other games, a bunch of dead rubbers. Sharks are playing for pride against the Force who smacked them in a warm up game before the Super 14.
The Lions are hoping not to lose to the Cheetahs, they are currently the holders of the 'longest losing streak in Super Rugby history' trophy. They are hoping not to get the 'Only Team to lose every game in the tournament' trophy.
Blues/Chiefs Reds/Highlanders round out the rest of the weekend.
Me, I'm all about the Stormers on Saturday. Coast > Inland.
Just watched the Toulon-Clermont Top 14 semifinal. Even the fact that the commentary was in French(of which I have only a passing acquaintance) did not reduce my enjoyment of the spectacle. The Perpignan Clermont rematch should be quite something.
Also looking forward to the Super 14 playoffs with great expectation.
I love my Southern hemisphere rugby, but the French play a great game. They like it hard and physical, Union at its best.
Bulls Crusaders in Soweto, Stormers Waratahs in Newlands next weekend. Will be two epic games.
I'm hoping for a Stormers Crusaders final at Newlands. I should probably be hoping for a Bulls Stormers final, but what can I say? I just hate the Bulls.
I can't remember the last S14 semi final that has been hosted here in Australia.
4 weeks ago I thought the Tahs were the weakest of the eastern sea board teams (the Force remain a basket case) but they're the ones who continue their season.
Sad to say it, because I've always had a soft spot for the Aussie rugby side, but I don't know how they are going to come right with no domestic Rugby Union competition.
Players need to be tested and grown at multiple levels, we have 2 domestic competitions besides the Super 14 so there are a lot of opportunities for players to get game time. This gives you depth in every position.
As long as Australia treats the Super 14 as their only domestic competition they are fighting a battle with a fraction of the weapons they need. You will get the occasional superstar rising to the surface, but won't get the large core of solid journeyman players needed to compete reliably at Super 14 and test level.
Having said that the Tahs have hit their straps nicely in the last few weeks, they are going to make the Stormers work for their final place.
I'm a big fan of how the french are playing and how they do their line outs with the belly throws.
Its dirty, but so right.
Super 14 final this weekend. A dream one for the SA teams after they made their opposition in the semis look pretty ordinary. The Crusaders especially looked horrible. Credit to McCaw, he didn't want to lay blame on external factors, but I'm sure two 22 hour flights in 2 weeks were a factor.
It's a 'home' game for the Bulls at Orlando stadium, but Soweto has become a suburb of Pretoria. The locals have really adopted the guys from up north as their team. Just goes to show the unifying power of sport, especially victory.
The team with the best defensive record, the Stormers having conceded 17 tries in the competition, are against regular final winners. Expect a lot of kicking and chasing, but the Stormers defense should, hopefully, be up to the task. They have amazing running backs and a lot of patience under pressure. But the final is new territory for them.
Four finals this Saturday: Super 14, Magners League, Guinness Premiership and French Top 14! I think a little co-ordination would be in order. I guess the PVR will get a workout this weekend.
Super 14 spoiler:
Bulls won. Unsurprising, but disappointing.
Stormers have never reached a Super final, so they were jittery and lacking in discipline on defense.
Test season has begun. Boks started off with a shaky win to Wales in Cardiff, but it was a bunch of pretty inexperienced players mixed with a lot of overseas based guys, so a win is a good result for a team that wasn't expected to be cohesive.
I also like seeing the Boks come from behind, we tend to start well and fade in the last 20 so seeing us dropped badly then batle back is a sign of a side with real class.
Now France.
With all the excitement over the soccer, it's been a bit forgotten here that there is what is probably going to be the best test of 2010 tomorrow.
Tri-nations champs, the Springboks, host Six Nations champs France in Cape Town. Should be a cracker, but it clashes with a soccer game, hope the customers in the store want to watch rugby rather than South Korea vs Greece.
Two old school, physical teams fronting up. I predict blood; it will be awesome.
Ok, so much for expecting a titanic battle, I hope the French soccer team folds like this.
42-17 to South Africa.
The frogs were just generally outplayed and showed poor discipline, giving away far too many penalties.
Aye, clearly the French were not all that interested. Pity, I still view them as favourites for the next World Cup. Its just went the French aren't interested they don't even put up the façade, But don't be fooled, they have it all and when the real shooting starts, they can out play or out muscle anyone in the world.
Ireland completely made a balls of it, everyone is waiting to hear what was the story with Jamie. Heslip is probably one of the best players in the world right now and we think he got his buttons pressed. Not excusing what he did, red card was perfectly correct and he shouldn't have reacted either way, but just curious how the Kiwis got to him.
England need to sort out their defence if they want to start competing again but they still look like a squad that is far to short on quality, especially given the size of their player base. The route England has taken in professionalism has proven to be all wrong.
Tri-nations starts this weekend with The Springboks traveling to New Zealand to play the All Blacks.
Should be a cracking game, the Springboks had a bad end of year tour when they rested a lot of players but are looking strong and have blooded a lot of new guys in every position. The All Blacks have a few problems with depth in some positions, but they will always be the All Blacks and will always be dangerous.
One thing I'm really liking is the mutual respect that is rebuilding between the ABs and the Boks. With all the pettiness and bullsh*t that is pervading the Soccer World Cup it's nice to see spirit and sportsmanship off the field that translates to hard, fair play on the field.
And it's good to know that whoever wins and whatever happens off the filed the Southern tradition of beers after the game will continue.
Tri-nations starts this weekend with The Springboks traveling to New Zealand to play the All Blacks.
Should be a cracking game, the Springboks had a bad end of year tour when they rested a lot of players but are looking strong and have blooded a lot of new guys in every position. The All Blacks have a few problems with depth in some positions, but they will always be the All Blacks and will always be dangerous.
One thing I'm really liking is the mutual respect that is rebuilding between the ABs and the Boks. With all the pettiness and bullsh*t that is pervading the Soccer World Cup it's nice to see spirit and sportsmanship off the field that translates to hard, fair play on the field.
And it's good to know that whoever wins and whatever happens off the filed the Southern tradition of beers after the game will continue.
Someone should have told Bakkies Botha.
*sigh*
Yeah, after that game I was hoping this thread would disappear. 
Bakkies is a joke, very unpopular here right now, most press and public don't want him in the Green and Gold again. He's just gotten back from a ban too...
And our general performance was dramatically sub par, of course the yellow card didn't help.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/aug/30/bees-roux-charged-murder
Not your everyday sports story.
Well, it didn't take long for Peter DeVilliers to put his foot in it:
http://www.scrum.com/southafrica/rugby/story/122188.html
I especially love the comment:
"We feel for all South Africans, especially rugby players, and while we do not defend the act [of Roux], we sympathise with the tragedy," he said. "It is an unfortunate reality that these things can happen to anybody."
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