I agree that a neutral observer would say that The Lions played the most enterprising rugby on show this year.

But, with the current rules, that’s not winning rugby.
[/quote]

What gets me is that the AB's win like the…

Just suppose Richie McCaw and Dan Carter got together – how many kiwis would still object to them adopting?

I would've thought Megan or Emma would've commented on this by now. Oh and I would object for the same reasons I objected to Madonna's African baby party.

Sorry, I couldn't…

I agree that a neutral observer would say that The Lions played the most enterprising rugby on show this year.

But, with the current rules, that’s not winning rugby.

Yes, that glorious test series victory the Lions won was a thing of wonder. Oh, hang on ...

Jones' sarcasm is so subtle you can hardly notice it's there.

And yet again, a major rugby match has been decided with a seemingly random refereeing decision in rugby’s nightmare area — the breakdown. New Zealand were showing signs of panic as they trailed in the dying moments but…

Maybe I was watching another game but it seemed to be Carter bought us that penalty with a superb kick and some great support play...

And then won a crucial turnover in the last minute — only to see his captain hand the bloody ball back. But mostly, the All…

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/opinion/2778613/All-Blacks-show-ticker-to-win-close-one

Dan Carter. The Returning One was, OK, not magnificent, but pretty damn good.

And really there was an element of luck about this All Blacks win. They just happened to…

Just suppose Richie McCaw and Dan Carter got together – how many kiwis would still object to them adopting?

That is an image I think I'm stuck with for life now. That end game man touching is never gonna look the same. Yes I support them!

Just suppose Richie McCaw and Dan Carter got together – how many kiwis would still object to them adopting?

Indeed, we'd merrily donate our infant manchilds to the happy couple.

I'd donate EGGS.

(Sorry for the delay, I was pruning my roses.)

In fact it'd make this season even more interesting

It would also make it like any other competition in the world with promotion / relegation.

It is NOT a radical idea.

Just suppose Richie McCaw and Dan Carter got together – how many kiwis would still object to them adopting?

I would've thought Megan or Emma would've commented on this by now. Oh and I would object for the same reasons I objected to Madonna's African baby party.

Drop the bottom…

The Herald is asking "Should gay couples be able to adopt?" Amid the predictable pro and anti arguments, comes this provocative question from WelshJerry of Waiheke Island:

Just suppose Richie McCaw and Dan Carter got together – how many kiwis would still object to…

The amount of righteous rugby anger out there in non-Super land is scary to behold.

And when 4 sides, picked randomly from the points table, are demoted at the end of the season it will slip into a new gear altogether.

...truly rubbed in the dirt by a Manawatu team that just wanted to win so much they made it happen.

and oh the TACKLING
I haven't enjoyed watching a game of rugby that much in quite some time ....

I just watched a gutsy Manawatu beat an Otago team that featured a somewhat petulant Adam Thompson, the entitlement dripping from him was well and truly rubbed in the dirt by a Manawatu team that just wanted to win…

I just can't see the issue of an Otago / Auckland playing a year in Div 2.

It's hardly as if the game would fold in those areas. Would be good for the Heartland comp or whatever they call it these days, it would be fair (gulp)…

I think the relegation at the end of this season isn't just based on position. There's a formula which includes population, registered player base, financial situation, previous years performances will all be considered. They agreed on something a couple of months ago.

I suspect, even if they come dead last,…

I still don't know what his actual real name was, because even my parents called him "Munter".

The fencing coach at my club has an unfortunate talent for memorable nicknames (Titch, Bodicea, Windows, Dr. Olive Oil...). In some cases it took me literally years to find out what people were…

Dan Carter is Desi

Now that would be unexpected.

I'll…

When I played college rugby, if you turned up and your boots weren't polished…

I recall a "Woodcock" getting the moniker of "Penis Radiata" – surely a testament to the power of Latin to shape young minds. And an ancient fellow was nicknamed "Fossil". My somewhat wild curly hair…

but I remember Richie saying in an interview that Justin Marshall changed his website profile to "Fluffy". It was to do with his hair.

Justin Marshall giving someone a hard time about their hair...

I think I’ve heard it all now.

Carter and McCaw don't have nicknames

Dan Carter is Desi, or DC

Richie is a nickname (short for Richard), but I remember Richie saying in an interview that Justin Marshall changed his website profile to "Fluffy". It was to do with his hair. That's where the nickname came from. Here's…

Carter and McCaw don't have nicknames

Surely Carter is 'DC'?

[Megan's Boyfriend The King Captain Tackles McCaw doesn't count 'cause if you called him that, he wouldn't turn around until the McCaw part].

I think you'd find he'd turn around well before that.

And not to be all fan-girl, but he does have a nickname, apparently the Canterbury boys call…

Jamesy
Lach-o
Coop-o
Barnesy
Drewy
Git-o [don't let the 'eau' fool you]
Lukey
Browny
Smithy
Rock-o
Sharpey
James-o
Aly
Moorey
Rob-o

Demoting Auckland would be an exercise in futility. They have shareholders etc who would still stump up cash for their big name players, so they'd dominate premier division [or whatever it's getting called] and pop back up the next season. Though I do…

Northland, North Harbour, Auckland, Counties, Waikato.

Can't really see those 5 teams merging into one – even if it ended up that way!

Mind you, the provinces have less on to watch -…

They are going to end up with law suits flying all over the place if they try and relegate teams that didn't finish in the bottom 4.

I think the relegation at the end of this season isn't just based on position. There's a formula which includes population, registered player…

It's "Playing History" which of course means they can dismiss where teams come this year and look at the past 1, 2, 5, 10 years (or whatever suits them).

They are going to end up with law suits flying all…