Greeting's rugby fans,

As many of you already know Wales are facing the mighty New Zealand, All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium, in Cardiff this Saturday. This of course coincides with Bonfire night in the UK and there is expected to be a firework display before kick-off.

After the Lions humiliating tour to New Zealand in the Summer, the All Blacks must now be on a high after defeating the Lions 3-0. Wales have many injuries to key Lion's players; Gethin Jenkins (Prop) of the Cardiff Blues, Dwayne Peel (Scrum Half) of the Scarlets, Gavin Henson (Utility Back) of the Ospreys, Tom Shanklin (Wing/Centre) of the Cardiff Blues, Martyn Williams (Flanker) of the Cardiff Blues and finally, Ryan Jones (Number 8/Flanker) of the Ospreys.

Although the Welsh camp are on a high, after the fantastic Grand Slam in the RBS Six Nations in the Spring, there are many key players who are out and many feel that the team announced today by the Welsh coach, Mike Ruddock isn't strong enough to compete, let alone beat the mighty All Blacks.

Here's the Welsh XV to face New Zealand on Saturday:-

Backs
15 - Fullback: Gareth Thomas (Toulouse, captain)
14 - Wing: Kevin Morgan (Dragons)
13 - Outside Centre: Mark Taylor (Sale)
12 - Inside Centre: Ceri Sweeney (Dragons)
11 - Wing: Shane Williams (Ospreys)
10 - Outside Half: Stephen Jones (Clermont-Auvergne)
9 - Scrum Half: Mike Phillips (Blues)

Forwards
1 - Prop: Duncan Jones (Ospreys)
2 - Hooker: Mefin Davies (Gloucester)
3 - Prop: Adam Jones (Ospreys)
4 - Second Row: Brent Cockbain (Ospreys)
5 - Second Row: Robert Sidoli (Blues)
6 - Flanker: Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys)
7 - Flanker: Colin Charvis (Newcastle Falcons)
8 - Number 8: Michael Owen (Dragons)

Replacements:
R Thomas (Blues) - Replacement Hooker
C Horsman (Worcester) - Replacement Prop
L Charteris (Dragons) - Replacement Second Row
R Sowden-Taylor (Blues) - Replacement Flanker/Number 8
G Cooper (Dragons) - Replacement Scrum Half
N Robinson (Blues) - Replacement Outside Half/Centre
L Byrne (Scarlets) - Replacement Wing/Fullback

I believe that the team, although not the strongest will play out of their skins and make Wales and themselves proud. However, I still believe that New Zealand may win by 5-8 points.

The New Zealand XV are:-

M Muliaina (Auckland); R Gear (Nelsons Bay), C Smith (Wellington), T Umaga (Wellington, captain), J Rokocoko (Auckland); D Carter (Canterbury), B Kelleher (Waikato); N Tialata (Wellington), A Oliver (Otago), C Hayman (Otago), C Jack (Canterbury), J Ryan (Otago), J Collins (Wellington), C Masoe (Taranaki), R So'oialo (Wellington).

Replacements: A Hore (Taranaki), T Woodcock (North Harbour), A Macdonald (Auckland), R McCaw (Canterbury), J Cowan (Southland), M Nonu (Wellington), L MacDonald (Canterbury).

The match is the first of four "Invesco Perpetual Series" test matches. The match will play to a sell out 74,500 crowd at the Millennium Stadium along with three other matches against Australia, South Africa (which are both sell out's) and Fiji. The Fiji team will be the weakest opposition Wales will come up against in these tests and will probably be used to experiment new combinations and tactics. This game has sold around 60,000 seats so far and although not expected to be a sell out, it is expected to break the 70,000 mark.

What are your feelings on the up and coming match against the All Blacks and the other three test's that Wales are playing in?

What do you think of the Welsh team to face New Zealand?

Regards,
Chris

[Edited 2005-11-01 20:52:59]

I fear Wales may get walloped up front.

But it'll be entertaining. Matches between these two always are.

Quoting Banco (Reply 1): fear Wales may get walloped up front.

I too am worried about the Welsh "up front". The pack, although rather powerful and able, lack the skills of Gethin Jenkins at prop and also the great ball carrying ability and extra strength that Ryan Jones provides.

Quoting Banco (Reply 1): But it'll be entertaining. Matches between these two always are.

I agree with you there 100%. Luckily, I've got a ticket for this match along with a ticket for Fiji and Australia.

Regards,
Chris

[Edited 2005-11-01 20:57:15]

Quoting Christa (Reply 2): Luckily, I've got a ticket for this match along with a ticket for Fiji and Australia.

Have you now? Lucky you. I didn't managed to get one for any of the three England autumn Tests I applied for, much to my irritation.

Quoting Banco (Reply 3): Have you now? Lucky you. I didn't managed to get one for any of the three England autumn Tests I applied for, much to my irritation.

Ahhh, bit of a bugger for you, eh?

Did you apply through your local rugby club or something?

Regards,
Chris

Quoting Christa (Thread starter): However, I still believe that New Zealand may win by 5-8 points.

Sorry, but dreaming. Will be between 15 and 25 points.

Quoting KiwiinOz (Reply 5): Sorry, but dreaming. Will be between 15 and 25 points.

I can't see that happening. If you look at the pack, it is almost identical to the one that faced the All Black's last year. In the backs, although there are key players out, Mike Phillips who comes in for cover for Dwayne Peel has played fantastically well for his club, the Cardiff Blues and has shown how much of a quality player he is. The Fly Half is the same as last year - Stephen Jones and both centre's are both very experienced. Ceri Sweeney & Mark Taylor are both competent tacklers and Mark Taylor especially, has great attacking vision in my opinion. The two wings - Williams and Morgan combined with Thomas at Full Back are what I believe to be the most dangerous attacking set of three quarter backs in the game in the Northern Hemisphere.

Gareth Thomas & Kevin Morgan can both alternate between Wing & Fullback if need be and Shane Williams although normally played on the Wing, did play a moderate amount of games at Fullback for the Ospreys. The game will be won up front. If the Welsh backs can be given good, quick ball it could turn out to be a rather close encounter.

Regards,
Chris

Quoting Christa (Reply 6): If the Welsh backs can be given good, quick ball it could turn out to be a rather close encounter.

It is unusual that Richie McCaw hasn't been played at openside to disrupt the Welsh ball. Could be interesting with Chris Masoe who is a strong ball runner and has been pretty agressive in the rucks in the NPC.

Apart from Masoe and Tialata who are the new caps, it's a pretty solid All Black pack.

But remember Wales is the same team that gave us a rude awakening last year by coming within 1 point.

Quoting KiwiinOz (Reply 5): Sorry, but dreaming. Will be between 15 and 25 points.

It will be a close match. I would say NO MORE than 8 points between either team at the finish.

Cheers

Zeekiel

Last year was the anomaly, rather than an indicator of the true ongoing form of these two sides.

All Black forwards are stronger, backs are faster, stronger and more inventive.

Knowing the history, us kiwis have always been keen to see Wales emerge as a top side again in world rugby. They seem to be on that journey at the moment, but have a fair way to go. They are coming up against one of the better, (perhaps the best?) AB side in the last ten years.

The Aussies could be in for a beating over in Marseilles though!!

Quoting KiwiinOz (Reply 8): Last year was the anomaly, rather than an indicator of the true ongoing form of these two sides.

That's what they said going into the World Cup in 2003 and we got beaten in the semi-finals by Australia (we were supposedly better on form).

Cheers

Zeekiel

Quoting Zeekiel (Reply 9): That's what they said going into the World Cup in 2003 and we got beaten in the semi-finals by Australia (we were supposedly better on form).

No, that was very true to historical All Black form, (ie they are scared of winning world cups)

Anyone happen to know where/whether this game will be carried in the US? I've just started playing rugby for a club team here--love it!--and wish I could see more professional or international games.

Thanks,
-Mike

If the coaches have the luxury of leaving McCaw on the bench they obviously think Wales are easy beats. It is a pity that so many of Wales top players are injured.

Being from Canterbury I have only seen Chris Masoe play once or twice and have never even heard of Neemia Tialata. I just trust that Henry/Smith/Hanson know what there doing.

Quoting Mikey711MN (Reply 11): Anyone happen to know where/whether this game will be carried in the US? I've just started playing rugby for a club team here--love it!--and wish I could see more professional or international games. Thanks, -Mike

http://www.rugbyrugby.com/RUGBY_ON_TV/story_391.shtml
http://www.mediazone.com/channel/rugby/jsp/competitions/index.jsp

Quoting SpinalTap (Reply 12): Being from Canterbury I have only seen Chris Masoe play once or twice and have never even heard of Neemia Tialata.

Never heard of Tialata? He's been around for some years now. Excellent prop (good on the tight and loose) and a good ball runner. Made some good breaks in the line when playing for the Wellington NPC team and he is consistient.

Chris Masoe is a bloody good player and the NPC has shown his ball carrying skills and how agressive he is in the rucks.

Two good debutants.

Cheers

Zeekiel

No prizes for guessing who I support.  

Quoting Mikey711MN (Reply 11): Anyone happen to know where/whether this game will be carried in the US? I've just started playing rugby for a club team here--love it!--and wish I could see more professional or international games. Thanks, -Mike

As Spinal Tap said above, you will be able to watch the man online and also in various pub's around the USA (I don't know if there's one in your state). In the UK it is being broadcast on BBC 1. If you can get that channel, I guess you should be able to watch the match.

I can't wait for kickoff. It's only three day's away but I'm already getting excited. The media built up is great here. I went to see the All Blacks train today at Glamorgan University training fields. All I'll say is that they looked rather impressive.

There was some reporter in a Welsh newspaper, who went along with around 20-30 other "fans" both from NZ and Wales to watch the All Blacks have dinner in the Hilton hotel they're staying at! I found that rather amusing.

Where do you think the big contests will take place during the match?

Regards,
Chris

Give me Rugby League any day!!!!!!, Union? well what can I say!!!, Castleford Tigers fan here!!!, Tigers now back in Super League allthough I think we will be absolute crap till we get at least seven new players.

[Edited 2005-11-02 20:19:09]

Quoting AirworldA320 (Reply 16): Give me Rugby League any day!!!!!!, Union? well what can I say!!!, Castleford Tigers fan here!!!, Tigers now back in Super League allthough I think we will be absolute crap till we get at least seven new players.

Great to see I am not the only one here. I am a Broncos/ Quinns RL fan . Good to see Cas back in the superleague next year, I may well be making the trip up to the Jungle next season, the pub opposite the ground has a Broncos shirt I gave them after we won in 2003!
How are GB going to do on saturday, I saw them at Loftus road last Saturday and they were very rusty. Can't belive they have dropped Burrow and kept Carney!

Quoting Trident3 (Reply 17): How are GB going to do on saturday, I saw them at Loftus road last Saturday and they were very rusty. Can't belive they have dropped Burrow and kept Carney!

Noble has got be a magician but I think they may just pull it off next time, time will tell!!!

[Edited 2005-11-02 20:42:45]

[Edited 2005-11-02 20:43:39]

Ah god, the League fans have taken over the Union thread!

Only kidding, Rugby League isn't very big in Wales and I don't really follow it. Although, I do watch the odd match if it's on Sky Sports.

Regards,
Chris

Quoting Christa (Reply 19): Rugby League isn't very big in Wales and I don't really follow it.

You 'll be able to see the Celtic crusaders in action at Bridgend next season, I'll be there for ther local derby - against London Skolars!

it will be a good afternoon this Sat. Wales v the All Blacks followed by the Lions v the 'Roos

By the way why have Broncos changed their names to Quinns(I know the reasoning behind it but again why?), sounds like a Union take over?

it was just part of the deal, We change our name to Harlequins RL, and our colours to theirs. In return we get to play rent free at the Stoop, we get to keep all the ticket, advertising and catering/bar income. As a deal it worth about £250,00 grand a year. Has to be worth it. We have not been taken over by Quins, in fact we have a new co -owner, a guy called Ian Lennagan who is a west end theatre producer, but hails from Wigan. it is two seperate organisations playing under the same name as opposed to Leeds where you have two teams(Rhinos RL and Tykes RU) with different names owned by the same organisation.

Quoting Trident3 (Reply 22): it was just part of the deal, We change our name to Harlequins RL, and our colours to theirs. In return we get to play rent free at the Stoop, we get to keep all the ticket, advertising and catering/bar income. As a deal it worth about £250,00 grand a year. Has to be worth it. We have not been taken over by Quins, in fact we have a new co -owner, a guy called Ian Lennagan who is a west end theatre producer, but hails from Wigan. it is two seperate organisations playing under the same name as opposed to Leeds where you have two teams(Rhinos RL and Tykes RU) with different names owned by the same organisation.

Just a shame that Union is slowly getting it claws into League (not putting Union down, we both have our dedicated followers)

Quoting Trident3 (Reply 20): You 'll be able to see the Celtic crusaders in action at Bridgend next season, I'll be there for ther local derby - against London Skolars! it will be a good afternoon this Sat. Wales v the All Blacks followed by the Lions v the 'Roos

Yeah, I knew about this little development down at the Brewery Field, Bridgend. Of course, a former ground of my former Welsh Region - The Celtic Warriors  . Sadly they are no more, after the WRU decided to reduce the number of regions to 4 from 5. I'll never forgive the WRU for that. Anyway... enough of my rant!

Who is going to be watching the Wales vs All Blacks match?

Regards,
Chris

Quoting Christa (Reply 24): Who is going to be watching the Wales vs All Blacks match?

It will be bloody early in the morning, but I'm going to be up bright and early with a beer in hand.

I tell you the lights in my suburb will be on at 4:30am no doubt.

Just waiting for those Welsh to start singing "Bread of Heaven".

Cheers

Zeekiel

Quoting Christa (Reply 19): Ah god, the League fans have taken over the Union thread!

I thought us RL fans were taking this tread over!!!!

We can mate, What do you think of Bennet picking Scott Prince at 7 for the Roos? it is a brave choice. Very disapointed that Joey is out injured, I bought my ticket for the GBv Aus game at the KC specifically to see him play one more time.

Only time will tell again!, believe it or not though im working on that day, suppose I will see it on RL Raw on the BBC!!!!

You're lucky , here down south we don't get RL Raw or the Superleague Show on BBC. So its Sky or nothing else. The highlights will be on Grandstand on Sunday,but the England v New Zealand game will be on the satellite. 

Don't worry about the League takeover all you Union fans.

League still is, and always will be, a playground game played by adults without the mental capacity to put together more than two phases of strategy.

And from what we recently saw, they don't really seem capable of playing league in the Northern Hemisphere anyway...

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Quoting KiwiinOz (Reply 30): League still is, and always will be, a playground game played by adults without the mental capacity to put together more than two phases of strategy.

That would be why England won the RUWC its all those League coaches they have.
All the top defensive coaches in Union learnt their trade in League.
Rucking,mauling, stamping,gouging and spearing doesn't require much skill does it?

Quoting Zeekiel (Reply 25): It will be bloody early in the morning, but I'm going to be up bright and early with a beer in hand. I tell you the lights in my suburb will be on at 4:30am no doubt. Just waiting for those Welsh to start singing "Bread of Heaven". Cheers Zeekiel

Ah that's good to hear. I had the same sort of situation for the Lions vs New Zealand in the Summer.

I too can't wait to sing & hear Bread of Heaven, Calon Lan, Cwm Rhondda, Men of Harlech & Delilah to name but a few. I am sitting in the middle tier, about two seats to the left of the half way line - should be a great occasion to see two teams play some attacking rugby.

Kick off in Cardiff, is 16:30.... I'm excited now!

BTW, what drink will you be drinking Zeekiel?

Regards,
Chris

I believe that both, Rugby Union & League have their good and bad points. However, as a whole, Rugby Union (to me) is a much more exciting game and has a lot more marketability than League has.

On another note, in a few weeks time the IRB (International Rugby Board) will decide where the 2011, Rugby World Cup will be held. The candidates are South Africa, New Zealand and Japan.

I am personally hoping for Japan to get the nod. My reasoning for this is that; Japan already has the stadium's and infrastructure to hold a major event, Japan is relatively easily to get to from the major rugby playing countries, the Japanese will market this event and will turn out in their droves to watch it, other countries will become interested in Rugby and finally it will show that Rugby is a truely global game.

Regards,
Chris

is Katherine Jenkins singing again? Brightens up any game at the Millenium Stadium!

Quoting Trident3 (Reply 35): is Katherine Jenkins singing again? Brightens up any game at the Millenium Stadium!

I'm afraid not and neither is the-fake-tan-man's girlfriend - Charlotte Church.




Take your pick, but I can confirm both are not singing.

I believe that the WRU have brought in some more masculine talent and I believe that there will be some sort of mocking of the Haka  

Regards,
Chris

At the challenge cup final in august we had a sing along with a male voice choir doing a selection of Tom Jones numbers. Sounds really lame ,but everyone joined in. Then we had the lovely Miss Jenkins singing Abide with Me.

Quoting Trident3 (Reply 32): That would be why England won the RUWC its all those League coaches they have.

And they are going so well since then!

Quoting Trident3 (Reply 32): All the top defensive coaches in Union learnt their trade in League.

Nice sweeping statement. All of them?

Quoting Trident3 (Reply 32): Rucking,mauling, stamping,gouging and spearing doesn't require much skill does it?

Actually it requires quite a lot of skill as a pack to put together an effective rolling maul, manage a ruck to your advantage, and in particular, executing a spear tackle in just the right way so that your opponent dislocates the shoulder. Poor old Brian!!!

Poor sheep, they'll be in for a hard time with all the Welsh and Kiwi fans running amok  

Definitely one of the more diverse threads

All Black Selection strategies
League vs Union
Hot Anthem Singers
And of course, sheep rooting

Love it!

Quoting Christa (Reply 33): BTW, what drink will you be drinking Zeekiel?

I'm not too patriotic when it comes to drinks but probably a Stella or a Heineken most like it.

Quoting Christa (Reply 33): I am sitting in the middle tier, about two seats to the left of the half way line - should be a great occasion to see two teams play some attacking rugby.

I had the privilege of watching Auckland play the Lions. Great seats on the half way line right near the Lions fans. At least they were good sports. The Sky City cheerleaders were wowing the crowd with some of their better moves (they have improved a lot) and one of them fell on their arse.

The Auckland fans laughed their heads off and Lions fans were extremely gracious and nice. Plenty of wolf whistling but all in all at least she had some fans in the crowd.

Quoting Christa (Reply 36): I believe that there will be some sort of mocking of the Haka

Same thing happened at Newlands when the Springboks played the All Blacks. While the All Blacks were firing up, the South African crowd were singing "Ole Ole Ole". Not a particularly South African chant, but it drowned out the Haka no doubt.

Don't worry about mocking of haka, Kiwi's on holiday all around the world embarass themselves doing it.

Quoting Christa (Reply 36): Take your pick, but I can confirm both are not singing.

Just too bad that Katherine Jenkins isn't going to be singing. She's one fit girl with an awesome voice.

I wonder if Gavin Henson has realised that making himself the same skin colour as me, doesn't impress your fans or your missus anymore than if he was PVC white.  

Cheers

Zeekiel

Quoting Gkirk (Reply 39): Poor sheep, they'll be in for a hard time with all the Welsh and Kiwi fans running amok

Something you'd know about aye Kirkie lad?

Quoting Zeekiel (Reply 41): I'm not too patriotic when it comes to drinks but probably a Stella or a Heineken most like it.

Ah well. It could be a lot worst. You could be drinking Fosters, heaven forbid. I think that I'll be on the old Brains SA  

Quoting Zeekiel (Reply 41): I had the privilege owatching Auckland play the Lions. Great seats on the half way line right near the Lions fans. At least they were good sports. The Sky City cheerleaders were wowing the crowd with some of their better moves (they have improved a lot) and one of them fell on their arse. The Auckland fans laughed their heads off and Lions fans were extremely gracious and nice. Plenty of wolf whistling but all in all at least she had some fans in the crowd.

Ah, no cheerleaders at the Wales vs New Zealand match. 48 hours to go, wooohoo! I think that the Welsh fan's will be just as accommodating to the New Zealand fan's as many of the New Zealander's were to the Lions in the Summer.

Quoting Zeekiel (Reply 41): Same thing happened at Newlands when the Springboks played the All Blacks. While the All Blacks were firing up, the South African crowd were singing "Ole Ole Ole". Not a particularly South African chant, but it drowned out the Haka no doubt. Don't worry about mocking of haka, Kiwi's on holiday all around the world embarass themselves doing it.

I think that it'll be the same thing as last year. The lead male of the Welsh Operatic society will lead a chant of "Great Jehovah" as he waves a very large Welsh flag as the Haka is performed. I think the Haka is a great sight though myself.

Quoting Zeekiel (Reply 41): Just too bad that Katherine Jenkins isn't going to be singing. She's one fit girl with an awesome voice. I wonder if Gavin Henson has realised that making himself the same skin colour as me, doesn't impress your fans or your missus anymore than if he was PVC white.

Ah, I have no idea what to think about him. One minute I like him, the next I don't. As for people "fancying" him... I know that my girlfriend think's he alright but nothing special. Still looks odd with his fake tan.

Regards,
Chris

Good luck for the game Waleshies!! hope you'll win...
bloody hell Trident3! who is this marvelous personn??    

Quoting Claude (Reply 43): Good luck for the game Waleshies!! hope you'll win..

Thanks and good luck for France vs Australia..

Regards,
Chris

France 24, AUS 16

NZ 30 WAL 12

Would have been happier with Dougie Howlett in the line up but Carter and Rokocoko are there so I think we have every chance, wouldn't put money on the outcome though but.....

GO THE AB'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm going for..

Wales 28 - 24 New Zealand..

As for the France & Oz game..

France 18 - 11 Australia

Regards,
Chris

Oh dear. Christa might have shot himself after that one. 

Wales 3-41 New Zealand.

A right stuffing.

Quoting Banco (Reply 48): Wales 3-41 New Zealand. A right stuffing.

Just woke up after my little mid morning slumber.

It was a bit of a dogging in the end for the Welsh but held pretty well in the first half.

The All Blacks were a bit loose in their ball control in the first half which was a bit of a shame. But it was lucky as the points would have piled on more likely.

Dan Carter was on fire. A great welcome back to him and a timely one as well. Rico Gear set the park on fire too.

Except for a bit of uncharacteristic looseness in the first half by the All Blacks, it was a fantastic win for them. A great way to start the Grand Slam.

Cheers

Zeekiel