Best has thrown very well during the first two games, especially Saturday. Further evidence that last year was a dip in form. I think having Toner, O'Connell and O'Mahony in the lineout helps a great deal.
I think Isles had the reverse thrust on after about 15 yards. By the time the ref caught him he was pretty much walking. Still, fair play to him for getting there. On a similar note, number 12 on the other team didn't bother wasting any energy and simply used the spare time to tie his laces.
Had it just been heads, I don't think anything would have come of it, even though the last one from the French prop seem to have a decent bit of force (reminded me of a documentary of those big-horned sheep head-butting each other). What got everyone else involved was the two uppercuts from the Italian prop. By the look of the French props face, neither connected, but hard to argue that they were not really intended to hurt.
This clip doesn't do the Kirchener try justice! The Boks had just scored a try after some decent forward play. From the kick off they mauled and looked like they were going for more of the same, then in a flash the ball was out on the right wing and dotted down! It gets my vote for being a team try!
All valid arguments whiteafrican, and I have to say I agree with you 100%. I hadn't seen the same link posted above though.
Adding to your last point, although it is not clear as he is out of shot at the time, I think Nigel Owens must do a similar thing during Cruden's conversion of the Franks try (about 7:10 onwards in the extended highlights). As Luke Fitzgerald (I think) gets closer to Cruden, he almost stops and then can be seen holding his arms out in a "what was wrong with that?" gesture which is presumably aimed at the referee. It's difficult to hear whether there is any conversation between Owens and the Irish players immediately after, but I would imagine something was said. I suppose in the desperation of the situation, logic and reason went out the window, and the Irish chargers forgot about or ignored the previous incident.
In any event, as Joe Schmidt and others have said, a draw would have felt like a loss, so for most of us Irish I don't think it mattered a dot!
In that incident, O'Connell only did what the vast majority of players, fans and, dare I say it, referees want to see. There are many incidents of players punching Cudmore and only getting yellows!
Scott Williams injures shoulder making big hit on Brian O'Driscoll
Best has thrown very well during the first two games, especially Saturday. Further evidence that last year was a dip in form. I think having Toner, O'Connell and O'Mahony in the lineout helps a great deal.
3 Weeks, 1 Day ago
Seven of the Best tries scored at the 2014 Wellington Sevens
I think Isles had the reverse thrust on after about 15 yards. By the time the ref caught him he was pretty much walking. Still, fair play to him for getting there. On a similar note, number 12 on the other team didn't bother wasting any energy and simply used the spare time to tie his laces.
3 Weeks, 4 Days ago
France ease past Italy with comfortable win at the Stade de France
That conversion was a beauty!
3 Weeks, 5 Days ago
France ease past Italy with comfortable win at the Stade de France
Had it just been heads, I don't think anything would have come of it, even though the last one from the French prop seem to have a decent bit of force (reminded me of a documentary of those big-horned sheep head-butting each other). What got everyone else involved was the two uppercuts from the Italian prop. By the look of the French props face, neither connected, but hard to argue that they were not really intended to hurt.
3 Weeks, 5 Days ago
The Top 10 Tries in South African Rugby in 2013
This clip doesn't do the Kirchener try justice! The Boks had just scored a try after some decent forward play. From the kick off they mauled and looked like they were going for more of the same, then in a flash the ball was out on the right wing and dotted down! It gets my vote for being a team try!
1 Month, 20 Hours ago
Irish hearts broken by All Blacks' last gasp converted try
All valid arguments whiteafrican, and I have to say I agree with you 100%. I hadn't seen the same link posted above though.
Adding to your last point, although it is not clear as he is out of shot at the time, I think Nigel Owens must do a similar thing during Cruden's conversion of the Franks try (about 7:10 onwards in the extended highlights). As Luke Fitzgerald (I think) gets closer to Cruden, he almost stops and then can be seen holding his arms out in a "what was wrong with that?" gesture which is presumably aimed at the referee. It's difficult to hear whether there is any conversation between Owens and the Irish players immediately after, but I would imagine something was said. I suppose in the desperation of the situation, logic and reason went out the window, and the Irish chargers forgot about or ignored the previous incident.
In any event, as Joe Schmidt and others have said, a draw would have felt like a loss, so for most of us Irish I don't think it mattered a dot!
3 Months, 1 Week ago
Irish hearts broken by All Blacks' last gasp converted try
Is Cruden's shuffle any different to O'Connor's raised arm?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAQpfNS1XAE
View Video
3 Months, 1 Week ago
The Wallabies claim comfortable victory over Ireland in Dublin
A similar score? I'm Irish and I'd happily take that!
3 Months, 2 Weeks ago
Sona Taumalolo and Yoann Maestri red carded for France vs Tonga fight
In that incident, O'Connell only did what the vast majority of players, fans and, dare I say it, referees want to see. There are many incidents of players punching Cudmore and only getting yellows!
3 Months, 2 Weeks ago
New Zealand hold off late charge by spirited France side
Sorry, I meant 1st try, not winning try.
3 Months, 3 Weeks ago