Official RWC 2011

Come on all of you rugby thread-jackers. WTF? No discussion of the RWC. OP, Kiwi, NAH, et. al.

[QUOTE=poe4soul;252001]Come on all of you rugby thread-jackers. WTF? No discussion of the RWC. OP, Kiwi, NAH, et. al.[/QUOTE]

LOL - I get my rugby fix here these days. Makes GR look positively tame and civilised.

[url]http://forum.planet-rugby.com/index.php?t=thread&frm_id=1&rid=&S=3f16b6781b64c165804dc75447081ee9[/url]

[QUOTE=Kiwi Player;252005]LOL - I get my rugby fix here these days. Makes GR look positively tame and civilised.

[url]http://forum.planet-rugby.com/index.php?t=thread&frm_id=1&rid=&S=3f16b6781b64c165804dc75447081ee9[/url][/QUOTE]

We've gone soft.

The first thread at the top was leaked Scarlett Johansson photos. Good stuff...probably not a good idea to take racy pictures with your cell phone, but I'm glad she did.

I've always considered rugby players as guys who didn't want the full on contact required in American Football. Don't get me wrong, Rugby is a great sport to play while getting hammered. It's dreadful to watch.

[QUOTE=poe4soul;252001]Come on all of you rugby thread-jackers. WTF? No discussion of the RWC. OP, Kiwi, NAH, et. al.[/QUOTE]

The other thing is that OP, Rooboy etc couldn't care less about rugby and NAH only has a passing interest in it. I'm sure if the Wallabies beat NZ (or if anyone beats NZ for that matter) they will let me know all about it. :D

[QUOTE=famousdavis;252010]I've always considered rugby players as guys who didn't want the full on contact required in American Football. Don't get me wrong, Rugby is a great sport to play while getting hammered. It's dreadful to watch.[/QUOTE]

I flew to Auckland for the opening game last Friday and met an American on the plane who was a rugby fan and had flown to NZ on business with the opportunity to see a couple of live games. He said that rugby was gaining popularity with kids in North America as it is much cheaper to play. i.e. all you need is boots, shorts and socks. No need for all the expensive equipment helmets, sanitary padding and tights required for American Football.

[QUOTE=The Purist;252007]We've gone soft.

The first thread at the top was leaked Scarlett Johansson photos. Good stuff...probably not a good idea to take racy pictures with your cell phone, but I'm glad she did.[/QUOTE]

Quality! :cool:

Thought I had better post the link. In a couple of hours that post will be on about page 5 and unfindable. The rate of posting over there is unbelievable.

[url]http://forum.planet-rugby.com/index.php?t=msg&th=237233&start=0&[/url]

Another relevant post:

[url]http://forum.planet-rugby.com/index.php?t=msg&th=236494&start=0&[/url]

[QUOTE=Kiwi Player;252013]I flew to Auckland for the opening game last Friday and met an American on the plane who was a rugby fan and had flown to NZ on business with the opportunity to see a couple of live games. He said that rugby was gaining popularity with kids in North America as it is much cheaper to play. i.e. all you need is boots, shorts and socks. No need for all the expensive equipment helmets, sanitary padding and tights required for American Football.[/QUOTE]


Nothing wrong with rugby, I was just trying to stir things up.

Purist,
Do you think the Steelers are going to crush the Seahawks this week? I've got to think that the Steelers are going to be pretty pissed after getting embarassed last week.

I agree, it's our solemn duty to threadjack rugby threads.

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;252038]I agree, it's our solemn duty to threadjack rugby threads.[/QUOTE]

As you well know, I'm a huge supporter of irony.

Kind of cool, the father of one of the girls on my daughter's soccer team just retired from the New England Patriots. I saw him at the scrimmage game last Saturday. I guess he has a couple Superbowl rings.

[QUOTE=Horseballs;252040]As you well know, I'm a huge supporter of irony.[/QUOTE]

On the one hand, i'm concerned threadjacking might be rude and inconsiderate, but on the other hand I need a new set of irons and can't decide what to get.

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;252044]On the one hand, i'm concerned threadjacking might be rude and inconsiderate, but on the other hand I need a new set of irons and can't decide what to get.[/QUOTE]

What are you considering?

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;252044]On the one hand, i'm concerned threadjacking might be rude and inconsiderate, but on the other hand I need a new set of irons and can't decide what to get.[/QUOTE]

Have you ever considered Ping Eye 2s?

[QUOTE=poe4soul;252049]What are you considering?[/QUOTE]

So far the Razr X Musclebacks, MP-69, MP-59 or MP-63. I'm also just thinking about getting another set of MP-32 used or some other used Mizuno.

But I'm open to suggestions as long as they don't involve rugby.

FD, yes, I gave the Pings the appropriate amount of consideration.

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;252059]So far the Razr X Musclebacks, MP-69, MP-59 or MP-63. I'm also just thinking about getting another set of MP-32 used or some other used Mizuno.

But I'm open to suggestions as long as they don't involve rugby.

FD, yes, I gave the Pings the appropriate amount of consideration.[/QUOTE]

I would avoid the Razr X muscle back because I think the Mizuno's would feel much better. The MP-59 is a good looking iron. The MP-63 is pretty compact and looks a bit smaller than the MP-62.

[QUOTE=Kiwi Player;252012]The other thing is that OP, Rooboy etc couldn't care less about rugby and NAH only has a passing interest in it. I'm sure if the Wallabies beat NZ (or if anyone beats NZ for that matter) they will let me know all about it. :D[/QUOTE]

We are smack in the middle of the AFL finals which is taking all of my attention. The Cats are looking the goods again also. When they have won the GF I may then turn my attention to the WC to see the AB get done again. :p

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;252059]So far the Razr X Musclebacks, MP-69, MP-59 or MP-63. I'm also just thinking about getting another set of MP-32 used or some other used Mizuno.

But I'm open to suggestions as long as they don't involve rugby.

FD, yes, I gave the Pings the appropriate amount of consideration.[/QUOTE]

I have a little bit of experience with a couple of those clubs.
Our asst. pro has a blended set of Razr X MB's and Razr X CB's which he allowed me to hit about a month ago. As you know, I also have the MP-32's. Both have PX 6.0's but mine are the old school satins. I liked the 32's infinitely better than the MB's. The Cally's seemed a bit light and felt much worse. Plus they are Callaways.
I was totally set on getting the Razr X forged cb's a couple weeks ago. I went into a fitting, pretty much determined to find a shaft and purchase them. After hitting side by side with the MP-59's, it was no contest. Even perfect strikes felt like misshits with the Cally's. For some reason, I was just felt comfortable with the MP-59's. They didn't have the MP-69 yet, so I didn't try it, but it wasn't exactly the kind of club I was looking for.
This is the first year in many that my handicap didn't drop below 3 at some point in the year. I blame Kentucky. Next year's prospects aren't looking better, since HB Jr. is coming in 2 months.

[QUOTE=Horseballs;252081]I have a little bit of experience with a couple of those clubs.
Our asst. pro has a blended set of Razr X MB's and Razr X CB's which he allowed me to hit about a month ago. As you know, I also have the MP-32's. Both have PX 6.0's but mine are the old school satins. I liked the 32's infinitely better than the MB's. The Cally's seemed a bit light and felt much worse. Plus they are Callaways.
I was totally set on getting the Razr X forged cb's a couple weeks ago. I went into a fitting, pretty much determined to find a shaft and purchase them. After hitting side by side with the MP-59's, it was no contest. Even perfect strikes felt like misshits with the Cally's. For some reason, I was just felt comfortable with the MP-59's. They didn't have the MP-69 yet, so I didn't try it, but it wasn't exactly the kind of club I was looking for.
This is the first year in many that my handicap didn't drop below 3 at some point in the year. I blame Kentucky. Next year's prospects aren't looking better, since HB Jr. is coming in 2 months.[/QUOTE]

A son, that's awesome! Maybe instead we should be talking about a set of clubs for him.

Thanks on the input on the Callaways, OP and FD too. Guess I don't need to waste time demoing them. I probably need to find a Mizuno demo day. What I'd really like to do is try my shaft in as many heads as possible, but then what else is new?

How would you compare the 32-s against the 59-s?

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;252085]A son, that's awesome! Maybe instead we should be talking about a set of clubs for him.

Thanks on the input on the Callaways, OP and FD too. Guess I don't need to waste time demoing them. I probably need to find a Mizuno demo day. What I'd really like to do is try my shaft in as many heads as possible, but then what else is new?

How would you compare the 32-s against the 59-s?[/QUOTE]

I think they are probably comparable. For me, I needed to get new irons because my 32's were getting to be in bad shape. The grooves on the short irons especially. I couldn't get a knife blade between several of the grooves. I don't know if the 59's are so much an upgrade as they are a replacement. I would expect them to be slightly more forgiving, though I never really thought the 32's were unforgiving.

[QUOTE=Horseballs;252093]I think they are probably comparable. For me, I needed to get new irons because my 32's were getting to be in bad shape. The grooves on the short irons especially. I couldn't get a knife blade between several of the grooves. I don't know if the 59's are so much an upgrade as they are a replacement. I would expect them to be slightly more forgiving, though I never really thought the 32's were unforgiving.[/QUOTE]

I'm in the same situation with my 32-s. A comparable performing replacement with more forgiveness is exactly what I'm looking for, even though I agree the 32-s are pretty forgiving.

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;252094]I'm in the same situation with my 32-s. A comparable performing replacement with more forgiveness is exactly what I'm looking for, even though I agree the 32-s are pretty forgiving.[/QUOTE]

That was my exact criteria. I also hit the cb version of the Taylor Made and Titleist. That Titleist is absolutely tiny. Didn't like it at all. The Taylor Made actually wasn't terrible, but I just don't think I could bag a TM club that isn't a driver.
The place I got fitted from has 6 irons from every set where the shaft could basically be screwed on, plus a Trackman.
Really knowledgeable people who take a technical approach.

[QUOTE=Horseballs;252031]Purist,
Do you think the Steelers are going to crush the Seahawks this week? I've got to think that the Steelers are going to be pretty pissed after getting embarassed last week.[/QUOTE]

If they lose again, it will be because I didn't change avatars before the start of the game. Anytime I brag or show support for my team, they lose.

On the other hand, this might be a good week to break the curse.

Ok...The Steelers are going to pound the snot out of this weakly west coast squad. I predict we run them out of Pittsburgh and beat them by 20+ points. Ben will throw for 3+ touchdowns and the defense will cause 3+ turnovers and limit these losers to less than 200 yards total offense.

[QUOTE=Horseballs;252081]Next year's prospects aren't looking better, since HB Jr. is coming in 2 months.[/QUOTE]
Congrats. That is awesome.

On the other hand, taking care of an infant plus kid #1 somehow triples the work instead of just doubling it. My 2nd child definitely destroyed my golf game, but It seems to be getting easier the older the 2nd one gets.

[QUOTE=Horseballs;252097]That was my exact criteria. I also hit the cb version of the Taylor Made and Titleist. That Titleist is absolutely tiny. Didn't like it at all. The Taylor Made actually wasn't terrible, but I just don't think I could bag a TM club that isn't a driver.
The place I got fitted from has 6 irons from every set where the shaft could basically be screwed on, plus a Trackman.
Really knowledgeable people who take a technical approach.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, the TM-s are too gimmicky and the Titleist forged just aren't great offerings while the AP-s have a look I could never warm to.

I need to find a fitter like that, the one I'm using is great but a little too lone wolf to pull off that kind of demo.

TP, it doesn't matter what your boys do against the Seahawks. The bye week is more challenging.

[QUOTE=The Purist;252108]Congrats. That is awesome.

On the other hand, taking care of an infant plus kid #1 somehow triples the work instead of just doubling it. My 2nd child definitely destroyed my golf game, but It seems to be getting easier the older the 2nd one gets.[/QUOTE]

I've seen the 2nd kid phenomenon in person several times. It's usually accompanied by quitting the SPCC and moving out to the suburbs. never to be heard from again. This will not happen to the HB family, I can assure you.

[QUOTE=Horseballs;252114]I've seen the 2nd kid phenomenon in person several times. It's usually accompanied by quitting the SPCC and moving out to the suburbs. never to be heard from again. This will not happen to the HB family, I can assure you.[/QUOTE]

I admire your resolve. But since we're better at cutting through unrealistic expectations around here than Koreans are at cheating on their taxes, I think you ought to scale down your golf plans. You've barely entered the activity phase of child-rearing.

Look at the bright side. You've dodged the bullett of being a 25% minority in your own household had no 2 turned out to be a girl. At least at some point in the future you have a shot at resuming a normal male life, albeit years down the road.

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;252116]I admire your resolve. But since we're better at cutting through unrealistic expectations around here than Koreans are at cheating on their taxes, I think you ought to scale down your golf plans. You've barely entered the activity phase of child-rearing.

Look at the bright side. You've dodged the bullett of being a 25% minority in your own household had no 2 turned out to be a girl. At least at some point in the future you have a shot at resuming a normal male life, albeit years down the road.[/QUOTE]

I'm not saying I'm going to be playing an A-load of golf next year, I just won't be quitting the CC and moving out to the 'burbs.

[QUOTE=Horseballs;252117]I'm not saying I'm going to be playing an A-load of golf next year, I just won't be quitting the CC and moving out to the 'burbs.[/QUOTE]

Well, for what it's worth, I'd have traded a s.hitload of golf for a second kid.

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;252118]Well, for what it's worth, I'd have traded a s.hitload of golf for a second kid.[/QUOTE]
Unless you've been snipped, its not too late, and can't be ruled out.

[QUOTE=The Purist;252120]Unless you've been snipped, its not too late, and can't be ruled out.[/QUOTE]

Can't be ruled out, but I have been fixed. Christ, a paternity suit is just what I'd need.

My time for kids is past. The one enters college next year.

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;252116]
Look at the bright side. You've dodged the bullett of being a 25% minority in your own household had no 2 turned out to be a girl. At least at some point in the future you have a shot at resuming a normal male life, albeit years down the road.[/QUOTE]

I see what you did there. I'm trying to transition the household away from democracy.

[QUOTE=The Purist;252125]I see what you did there. I'm trying to transition the household away from democracy.[/QUOTE]

Maybe follow the negro model. Minorities are inherently persecuted and deserve special treatment.

[QUOTE=The Purist;252125]I see what you did there. I'm trying to transition the household away from democracy.[/QUOTE]

The key to a successful dictatorship is to convince the subjugated that they are part of a democracy.

USA! USA! USA!

[url]http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_7177957,00.html[/url]

Edgey, Pottsy, Burndog

What is it about the English? Especially those associated with the Royals? All class. :D

[url]http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/england-captain-and-husband-of-the-queens-granddaughter-linked-to-groping-in-a-nz-bar/story-e6frfmqi-1226137814357[/url]

[B]Falling 50 Foot Tree Kills So. Cal. Woman
[/B]
It happened this afternoon at a busy intersection I've driven through at least 100 times. The woman was waiting at a light when the tree came crashing down.

The woman, though trapped in the vehicle, appeared to be relatively ok until rescuers attempted to lift the tree. Their attempt failed and the tree came crashing back down on the car killing the woman.

[url]http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/orange_county&id=8356082[/url]

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;252165][B]Falling 50 Foot Tree Kills So. Cal. Woman
[/B]
It happened this afternoon at a busy intersection I've driven through at least 100 times. The woman was waiting at a light when the tree came crashing down.

The woman, though trapped in the vehicle, appeared to be relatively ok until rescuers attempted to lift the tree. Their attempt failed and the tree came crashing back down on the car killing the woman.

[url]http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/orange_county&id=8356082[/url][/QUOTE]

WTF - no chainsaws in SoCA? That's some bad luck. I bet she was ready to buy a lottery ticket after the tree smashed her car and lived. Then her rescuers show up and kill her.

[QUOTE=poe4soul;252175]WTF - no chainsaws in SoCA? That's some bad luck. I bet she was ready to buy a lottery ticket after the tree smashed her car and lived. Then her rescuers show up and kill her.[/QUOTE]

While it's unimaginable that a giant tree can fall on you when you're stopped at a light, and that you'd survive it, it's even more unfathomable that the same tree would be dropped on you again by your rescuers and kill you.

The analogy between this and Obama working on the economy kind of hits you in the face.

[QUOTE=oldplayer;252076]We are smack in the middle of the AFL finals which is taking all of my attention. The Cats are looking the goods again also. When they have won the GF I may then turn my attention to the WC to see the AB get done again. :p[/QUOTE]

I'm really looking forward to the much hyped and anticipated All Blacks vs Wallabies final. After all both teams are clearly head and shoulders above their nearest rivals and are drawn to meet in the final. It's a foregone conclusion that both will comfortably win their pool groups ... wait a minute??? :D :D :D :D :D

[QUOTE=Kiwi Player;252287]I'm really looking forward to the much hyped and anticipated All Blacks vs Wallabies final. After all both teams are clearly head and shoulders above their nearest rivals and are drawn to meet in the final. It's a foregone conclusion that both will comfortably win their pool groups ... wait a minute??? :D :D :D :D :D[/QUOTE]

Nice one Kiwi. You are entitled to get into us. Just not good enough by us. The bloody Irish!!
I would be untruthfull if I said I was feeling confident.

[QUOTE=oldplayer;252288]Nice one Kiwi. You are entitled to get into us. Just not good enough by us. The bloody Irish!!
I would be untruthfull if I said I was feeling confident.[/QUOTE]

I was at the game last night and I have to say that the atmosphere was electric. There were plenty of Aussie supporters but they were well and truly drowned out by the boisterous Irish fans. Also 99.9% of the Kiwis at the park were wearing green and barracking for the Irish. :D :D :D

All along I've thought it was very presumptuous to assume it would be an AB vs Wallaby final. My prediction was an AB vs England final (assuming we can get past the Boks) as I think England are the Wallaby's bogie team and I was picking them to knock Aussie out in the semis with suffocating forward play and a dominant scrum. But the Irish got to the Wallabies with that formula sooner than I expected. :)

Dingo Deans looked positively shattered on TV this morning, his swaggering confidence shot. He must wish he was back in Canterbury tending to his adoring, attentive ewes. :p

[QUOTE=Kiwi Player;252291]I was at the game last night and I have to say that the atmosphere was electric. There were plenty of Aussie supporters but they were well and truly drowned out by the boisterous Irish fans. Also 99.9% of the Kiwis at the park were wearing green and barracking for the Irish. :D :D :D

All along I've thought it was very presumptuous to assume it would be an AB vs Wallaby final. My prediction was an AB vs England final (assuming we can get past the Boks) as I think England are the Wallaby's bogie team and I was picking them to knock Aussie out in the semis with suffocating forward play and a dominant scrum. But the Irish got to the Wallabies with that formula sooner than I expected. :)

Dingo Deans looked positively shattered on TV this morning, his swaggering confidence shot. He must wish he was back in Canterbury tending to his adoring, attentive ewes. :p[/QUOTE]

Just about every team is the Wallabies bogey team ATM.
There has been too much talk and hype and not enough action from the Wallaby camp in this current campaign.

So can we safely predict the winner of the NZL vs AUS semi's be the winner of the world cup? Looks like the All Black's have some pressure on them with their star being sidelined. What say you Kiwi, OP, NAH?

Well the Wallabies have won very narrowly against the boks so it is d day against the AB. Frankly I can't see us winning it so I had better congratulate Kiwi now.

We are down to our 4th best flyhalf (quarterback) but our forward pack is still in tact (just). If we can do a demolition job on the Wobbly forwards up front we should win. We just need to get to their flaky flyhalf Quade/Afraid Cooper. If we don't do that it's a 50/50 call.

Then again home advantage should help.

I'll be at the park cheering them on and giving shite to any Wobbly supporters within earshot! :p

[QUOTE=oldplayer;253828]Well the Wallabies have won very narrowly against the boks so it is d day against the AB. Frankly [B]I can't see us winning it so I had better congratulate Kiwi now[/B].[/QUOTE]

Very astute pick there OP. I wasn't as confident as you that the AB's would win but I guess you are always more nervous when you are the favourites. Now it's just the Frogs that lie between the AB's and redemption for 24 years of heartache.

As longs as the boys keep their feet on the ground I think we can do it. :cool:

[QUOTE=Kiwi Player;254140]Very astute pick there OP. I wasn't as confident as you that the AB's would win but I guess you are always more nervous when you are the favourites. Now it's just the Frogs that lie between the AB's and redemption for 24 years of heartache.

As longs as the boys keep their feet on the ground I think we can do it. :cool:[/QUOTE]

The Aussies were just not good enough. Their game was riddled with mistakes right from the very first kick. AB were the superior team so deserved the win.
It does seem destiny and not just coincedence that they should be playing the same team on the same ground where they last enjoyed WC success.

[QUOTE=Kiwi Player;254140]Very astute pick there OP. I wasn't as confident as you that the AB's would win but I guess you are always more nervous when you are the favourites. Now it's just the Frogs that lie between the AB's and redemption for 24 years of heartache.

As longs as the boys keep their feet on the ground I think we can do it. :cool:[/QUOTE]

I'm surprised there's rugby going on now, what with the World Series about to take place.

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;254143]I'm surprised there's rugby going on now, what with the World Series about to take place.[/QUOTE]

Aren't they all on strike?

[QUOTE=Kiwi Player;254146]Aren't they all on strike?[/QUOTE]

No, none of the major sports here are on strike.

[QUOTE=lorenzoinoc;254147]No, none of the major sports here are on strike.[/QUOTE]

Well it's a RWC Final next Sunday night between NZ and the French. Surely an Italian like yourself who doesn't give a shite about rugby will still support NZ just because you hate the French?

[QUOTE=Kiwi Player;254148]Well it's a RWC Final next Sunday night between NZ and the French. Surely an Italian like yourself who doesn't give a shite about rugby will still support NZ just because you hate the French?[/QUOTE]

I'm don't hate them. From time to time I am candid about their many flaws and shortage of redeeming qualities, if any. I actually have a great deal of compassion for them as they grapple ill-equipped.

But I would like to see you guys crush them.