In an attempt to round my world sports knowledge, I've been following the 2007 Rugby World Cup, held mainly in France. The players are as tough as NFL and NHL players. Many love this sport more than soccer. Las Vegas had France as a huge favorite. This is like Stanford knocking off USC as a +40 underdog. (I prefer rugby, since it's like U.S. football.)
The problem with the written match highlights is translating the information from British English into American English.
(What was written)
The kick-off was knocked on by the French, leading to a scrum. It collapsed. Andy Gomarsall took the free kick quickly, chipping it down to the corner. The ball bounced away from the groping Damien Traille and into the hands of the onrushing Josh Lewsey. The English winger crashed over the French fullback and the line. It was the only try of the match. (New York Times Online - International Herald Tribune 10/13)
"SAY WHAT! What you talking about Willis!"
Translated:
On a free kick, the French player misjudged the live ball and let it bounce at his own two yard line. The Brit grabbed the live ball, right in front of the Frenchie, who slid past the bouncing ball. The Brit smashed into Frenchie as they fell over the goal line. This was the only touchdown of the day, as field goals prevailed. Final score: 14-9. The touchdown will be shown forever on FoxSports and ESPN Sports Bloopers. Chris Berman will do the sound effects.
"I demand a rematch or it will be war!"
In back to back Rugby World Cups, France has beaten powerful New Zealand, only to lose its next match to a weaker opponent.
These guys are good. By rule, tackles must be made by wrapping up an opponent. There are no shoe-string tackles, helmets or shoulder pads.
Nothing has been mentioned about cups. Ouch!
Following the match, all had tea as England and all of the U.K. celebrated.
slshusker...I have been watching it and also playing the EA Sports 2008 game. I was informed from my brother that Jerry Flannery, our cousin that I wasn't aware of played for Ireland. They weren't too impressive but it made it fun to watch. It is cream the guy with the ball and the Pacific Islander players are freaking huge!
Last edited by deadgrunt on October 14th at 12:24 PM.
slshusker
I grant you this your knowledge of the English is growing. But when it comes to their social activities surrounding a sporting event. You're actually way off mark as they'd be drinking pint's of lagers or beers.
As for the result between France and England it wasn't totally unexpected. They've actually been playing very well and as former champions they were expected to make it beyond the semi's.
Deadgrunt, when you said you had a cousin you didn't know of, I knew 'Irish" was soon to follow. You have another reason to follow the sport. You're dead on with the physical aspect of the game. As kids, we called it "smear the q-ueer."
Tophatal, the tea comment was intentional, hilighting the gentleman's ending to a physical game. England was the underdog and any sports writeups tended to mention this before the game.
Tez, I knew you'd be around. Ringo may show up, if he gets his behind out of the pub. What network in the U.S. is showing the games? I haven't found it yet.
trust me on this...England may have been in raptures yesterday. However, every Welsh Scot and irish really wanted the French to win. England may be the heart of the UK, but when it comes to to Rugby, everyone of the other parts of the UK hate the English. Its an old rivalry.
As my husband said, he would not ' #### on a Scot ' if he was on fire !
Looks like England will be fighting a new Boer War in the final..
Blondie - You're telling me the British Isles aren't harmonious on sports? Shocking.
Still, I would think all in the U.K. would be against the French in the US vs. Them scenarios. Just kidding.
oh I forgot to add that France didn't beat NZ in the last WC....that honour went to Australia. France did beat NZ in the 1999 one though which is probably what you're referring to :)
You ra-a-a-ng?
That`s the last time I go in that damn pub ,they didn`t like my singing ,"swi-i-i-ng lo-o-o-w...." don`t they know who I am? bar-stewards.
If you want to watch the final live ,without paying ,check out LiveFooty.
Setanta has all the games here ,but up to 30 hrs later ,unless you pay ,which i`m going to do next week.
slshusker...ESPN is too busy showing stuff like the Spelling Bees and the Cup Stacking Championships to show Rugby. I saw in the USA Today this past week where they are negotiating for the Chess Championships next fall. That will keep us on the edge of our seats; NOT! I wonder how many people can tell us who the "All blacks" are.
slshusker
I don't care what anyone says but going on what I've seen from the Vikings' Adrian Peterson. He is the NFL's rookie of the year. This guy is almost unstoppable and there's a not damn thing anyone seems to be able to do about it. Say what you will for the Bears' vaulted defense. But they aren't that special based on the evidence of Sunday.
As way of an invite see my new post written under this guise. It'll more likely than not let you in on the whole rugby world and enlighten you somewhat as to the rudimentaries of the game.
The post is titled Do You Play The Game To Win Or Not ? Let me know what you think as to the merits of the piece ?
rampant' aka tophatal
Last edited by rampantfanatic on October 15th at 8:46 AM.
Guys as way of an invite I've a new post up about the game. It's written under this guise. And if you're interested I'd like to read your comments as to the merits of the piece ? It's titled Do You Play The Game To Win Or Not ?
Statistics are a dangerous when handled by zealots.
I believe Burnt Orange isn't a color, it's a disease.
The DH rule should be elimintated.
I like cats and dogs...cats taste more like chicken.
Women are god's greatest creation.
Barry Bonds was detrimental to sports.
The month after the Super Bowl is sports HELL.
March Madness is the best elongated sports extravaganza.
The Masters is great watching, in spite of Jim 'nancy boy' Nantz.
Anyone spouting political commentary should be barred from this site.
This is a sports blog!
I need a soma.
"I demand a rematch or it will be war!"
These guys are good. By rule, tackles must be made by wrapping up an opponent. There are no shoe-string tackles, helmets or shoulder pads. 
